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Jeep Renegade Concept at Detroit

2008-05-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

For the Jeep arm of the Chrysler LLC concept trio, we are presented with the Jeep Renegade Concept, a sporty two seater B segment vehicle ideal for dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

Following the same theme as the Chrysler ecoVoyager & Dodge Zeo, the Renegade is powered by a Lithium-ion battery which is capable of doing up to 40 miles on its dual electric 200 kilowatt(268hp) motors. A back up 1.5 liter BLUETEC diesel engine allows the Renegade to go 400 miles on a single run.

On the exterior we get large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and a cut-down speedster windshield portraying a “one-with-nature” personality. The interior only features necessary components and the materials have been selected to be environmentally responsible.

Press release:

A B-segment Jeep® concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, “minimized” two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

“With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a ‘hang on and have fun experience,’” said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

Renegade is targeted at customers in the “Stylish Green” segment of the marketplace – those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their “green” attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade’s BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept’s lightweight aluminum architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4x4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials -- worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior

The Jeep Renegade concept’s “one-with-nature” personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and cut-down speedster windshield -- all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade’s promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are “deconstructed” rubber-clad headlamps and taillamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of “lids.” Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come “as built” -- with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.

Jeep Renegade Concept Interior

Sustainability – a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment – is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept’s interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece molded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-molded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-molded aluminum/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece molded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece molded interior compartment “tub.” This environmental care in designing the Renegade’s interior is aligned with Jeep’s “harmony with nature” philosophy.

“The Jeep Renegade concept’s interior — actually the entire vehicle — is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function,” said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. “We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes.”

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the color, grain and gloss of the interior parts are molded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior color of the Renegade’s lightweight composite body is molded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy “plug and play” left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers “float” beneath the cross-car beam. The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate center control screen mounts on a swivel base -- providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel’s T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept’s sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote “handles,” while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door’s elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade’s contoured, figure-form seats -- covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible -- feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down “U-shaped” headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-molded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior color.

A “thermal unit” in the center console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

"Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable,” Anderson said.

The Renegade’s wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners’ desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, the Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future.

Scion xB Release Series 5.0 at Detroit

2008-05-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

The new Scion xB will have a new limited edition model on offer starting this February. The Scion xB Release Series 5.0 will be limited to 2,500 units and has an MSRP of USD 15,650 if you choose the manual transmission and USD 16,600 for the automatic version.

The Scion xB RS 5.0 features a Gold Rush Mica paint job, which is the same colour as last year's xB display vehicle from the Chicago Show. Furthermore the RX 5.0 xB features a Kenstyle body kit, new wheel covers, moonroof, rear spoiler and colour matching interior.

Press release:

Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the first limited-production Scion for 2008, the xB Release Series 5.0 (xB R.S. 5.0), will be available at dealer showrooms beginning in Feburary.

The 2008 xB Release Series 5.0 features dazzling Gold Rush Mica exterior paint inspired by last year's Chicago Auto Show xB display vehicle. This limited edition xB features a KenStyle® body kit, new Release Series wheel covers, and a moonroof, an xB first. A color-keyed rear spoiler will also be available.

Inside, the xB features a Gold Rush Mica accented interior trim and color-tuned seat fabric. Individual numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,500 units of the xB Release Series 5.0 will be built. The xB Release Series 5.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,470 over the base price of the xB. The manual transmission xB has a base MSRP of $15,650, while the MSRP for automatic transmission model is $16,600. The available color-keyed spoiler has an MSRP of $320.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $620 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
A 2008 xB Release Series 5.0 will be on display in the Scion booth at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Chevrolet Malibu is North American Car of the Year

2008-05-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

At the start of the North American International Auto Show the North American Car and Truck of the Year were announced. GM has won its second consecutive NACotY award with the new Chevrolet Malibu, last year the Saturn Auro took home the prize.

“This award is the result of our intensive efforts to put a renewed emphasis on design, execution and craftsmanship into our cars and trucks,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman. “We’re honored that both automotive journalists and consumers are recognizing our efforts.”

Mazda has taken home the coveted North American Truck of the Year award for the CX-9. This is the first time that Mazda wins the award. “This truly is an honor,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. “Since we brought CX-9 to market, it’s been a hit with media, customers and dealers alike.”

A jury of 45 automotive journalists from the USA and Canada made the decision based on several factors, like innovation, handling, performance,safety and driver satisfaction. The Malibu beat 14 other cars to win while the CX-9 had 12 competitors for the trophee.

BMW 1-Series Convertible at Detroit

2008-05-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with its world debut at this week's North American International Automobile Show in Detroit, BMW have also taken the wraps off the pricing structure for the new 1-Series Convertible. Hitting showrooms in March ready for summertime, the 128i will be priced from $33,875 and the 135i from a rather hefty $39,875, although a version of the M Sports package is standard equipment on the latter model.

BMW are keen to stress the Convertible's 2002 heritage, the concept of which remains in this four-seater convertible range, utilising six-cylinder engines in a rear-wheel-drive setup. The line-up consists of naturally-aspirated and forced-induction 3.0-litre six-cylinder units, the 128i featuring Valvetronic management for improved efficiency and responsiveness and the 135i employing direct injection, twin turbocharging and intercooling. The latter 300 hp model speeds to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 155 mph.

But it is another statistic of particular importance on this drop-top 1-Series. And that's how fast it loses its roof. In just 22 seconds and even on the move at speeds of up to 25 mph, the electro-hydraulic roof can be operated. The Convertible retains the characteristic features of the Coupe: its distinctive kidney-grille, door sills and skirts front & rear, adding, of course, a soft-top roof in Convertible guise - producing a 'silhouette' form.

Kia Motors America Introduces All-New Borrego SUV

2008-05-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

The steady expansion of Kia's product line continued at the North American International Auto Show Sunday with the introduction of the all-new Borrego SUV. This body-on-frame sport-ute is Kia's largest and most powerful production vehicle to date.

The Borrego's 114-inch wheelbase and 192-inch overall length put it at the large end of the SUV scale, and a choice of 3.8 liter V6 or 4.6 liter V8 power is offered. The V8 is a DOHC engine and makes over 300 horsepower. Both it and the six-speed automatic transmission it's mated to are firsts for Kia. With the V8, the Borrego is rated to tow up to 7500 pounds. The available hill-start control and downhill assist control hint at a measure of off-road ability as well.

The styling is similar to that of Kia's other SUVs, with a simple, no-nonsense look. The Borrego takes some styling cues from the Mesa concept truck of 2005 and has a tougher appearance that's in keeping with its abilities.

Three-row seating is standard, and the Borrego is well-equipped with side and side-curtain airbags, a USB connector for iPods and other MP3 players, antilock brakes and stability control on the standard-equipment list. Sirius satellite radio, a backup alarm and a navigation system are on the options list. It's also got Kia's 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

The Borrego goes on sale this summer as a 2009 model.

Dodge Journey Launched in China as JCUV

2008-05-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

China is quickly emerging in the car markets as a major player, both in regards to building as to buying cars. Chrysler is very well aware of this and has increased its model range in China from just two models in 2004 to twelve in 2008. The latest addition are the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Journey which will be known in China as the Dodge JCUV.

The Dodge JCUV joins the Dodge Caliber, Caravan and Avenger range and will go on sale in 2009. The JCUV will open up a new market segment to Dodge in China and straight away claim best-in-class power, torque and safety features. The minivan – passenger car crossover seats 5+2 with plenty of storage space.

“This product offensive, together with an expanded and strengthened dealer network, is allowing us to continue our sustainable profitable growth in this critical market for our Company,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Operations. Four of the Chrysler Group cars are built in China, namely the Chrysler 300C and Sebring by BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive and the Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan are produced at Southeast Motor in Fuzhou.

Press release:

Chrysler LLC Introduces New Dodge Journey for China at Auto China 2008 in Beijing

The Dodge brand shows its potential for future expansion in China with the introduction of the Dodge Journey
Dodge ZEO and Jeep® Renegade concepts also have their Asian premieres
Legendary Jeep Wrangler will start sales in China in April
The Company’s line-up in China has grown from two models offered in 2004 to twelve models today

The Dodge brand is making strides in one of the fastest growing markets in the world with the introduction of the Dodge Journey at Auto China 2008. The Journey, locally named JCUV, continues the aggressive Dodge product offensive in China, by joining ranks with Dodge Avenger, Caliber and Caravan.

The Dodge Journey offers to the Chinese market a unique combination of bold and powerful Dodge design, sporty performance, versatility and flexibility, appealing to customers that need practicality in a “cool” and unique crossover package.

“We are very pleased with our recent growth in China and, with the introduction of vehicles with global appeal like the all-new Dodge Journey, we expect our momentum in the market to continue,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “Dodge JCUV, as we will call it in China, will allow us to appeal to a new set of customers here that want the flexibility and versatility of a minivan combined with the performance and fuel efficiency of a passenger car.”

The Dodge Journey will offer best-in-class power, torque and safety systems, in addition to smart features with a MyGIG™ infotainment system, optional rear-seat entertainment system and 19-inch wheels with tire pressure monitoring.

Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations abound with 5+2 seating. Spacious storage bins are hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion, and the front passenger seat, second-row and third-row seats can all fold flat.

Chrysler LLC intends to introduce the Dodge Journey in China in 2009.

Other highlights at Auto China 2008 include the Asian premieres of the Dodge ZEO and Jeep® Renegade concept vehicles. These two advanced technology concepts first debuted in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Additionally, the legendary Jeep Wrangler will now join the line-up in China, as the Company announces that sales will begin in April in this fast-growing market.

“With Jeep Wrangler, the Chrysler LLC product portfolio in China now encompasses twelve models—up from just two models offered in 2004. Also, we now produce four vehicles in China, for China,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Operations. “This product offensive, together with an expanded and strengthened dealer network, is allowing us to continue our sustainable profitable growth in this critical market for our Company.”

Chrysler LLC sales in China more than doubled during the first quarter of 2008 (4,839 units), the greatest percent increase of any volume market in the world for the Company. Much of this growth can be attributed to incremental sales of the locally produced Chrysler Sebring, which accounted for 22 percent of the market’s first-quarter sales. Sales in the Asia Pacific region are up 45 percent for the quarter versus last year.

The Chrysler LLC product portfolio in China now includes:

Chrysler: 300C sedan, Grand Voyager, PT Cruiser sedan, Sebring sedan
Dodge: Avenger, Caliber, Caravan
Jeep: Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited

Four of these vehicles are built locally in China. The Chrysler 300C and Sebring are produced at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Ltd. (BBDC) in Beijing. The Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan are produced at Southeast Motor (SEM) in Fuzhou.

New Mercedes-Benz GLK

2008-05-12T02:29:00.000-07:00

Bigger is not necessarily always better, and Mercedes is setting out to prove it with their new GLK SUV. The GLK is shorter than the 7-seat GL-Class, hence the K which refers to Kurz or Short in English, but can boast a wide range of features like 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, Agility Control suspension, Intelligent Light System, PRE-SAFE and 7G-TRONIC transmission.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK measures 4,528 mm in length, 1,840 mm width and 1,689 mm height making it a compact premium SUV like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.

Here is a quick overview of the available engines:

	Engine	Power	Torque	0 to 100 km/h	Top speed
GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2.2 liter four cylinder diesel	125 kW 170 hp	400 Nm	8.8 seconds	205 km/h
GLK 320 CDI	V6 diesel	165 kW 224 hp	540 Nm	7.5 seconds	220 km/h
GLK 280	V6 petrol	170 kW 231 hp	-	-	-
GLK 350	3.5-liter V6 petrol	200 KW 272 hp	350 Nm	6.7 seconds	230 km/h

To kick off sales Mercedes will offer the Edition 1 model which features extras like 20 inch wheels, EASY-PACK tailgate, privacy glass, interior sports package with black-white nappa leather from the disigno range, AMG leather steering wheel, black roof lining, aluminum trim and COMAND APS system.

Brilliance Junjie Station Wagon Revealed

2008-05-11T01:56:00.000-07:00

Pininfarina is one of Italy's most respected and sought after design houses. China is up and coming in the automotive world but its leading car makers lack the design experience that established marques have. Easiest solution is to employ an independent design house do the styling, which resulted in the 2006 Best New Car award at the Beijing Motor Show for their Junjie saloon. This year the Junjie range is expanded with the Brilliance Junjie station wagon, also designed by Pinifarina.

Even though Pininfarina is most famous for their Ferrari and Maserati designs (most recently the Ferrari 599 GTB and Maserati GranTurismo S) but almost a third of their design accounts hail from China.

The Brilliance Junjie station wagon builds on the saloon, sharing its front end design. The estate's rear end is dominated by a wind-tunnel tested spoiler built into the roof. Overall the car displays some strong lines which should enable Brilliance to expand in the premium luxury segment.

The interior also builds on the saloon's example with classic, fluid lines but with greater functionality. The rear seats fold down completely creating a huge boot if necessary.

HonQi SUV Concept Unveiled in Beijing

2008-05-11T01:54:00.000-07:00

Last week the omens were not looking good for the latest concept to come out of China, when initial renderings of the vehicle proved nothing more than a photshopped version of the Lincoln MKT Concept. Now the FAW Group's Premium division HongQi (Red Flag) has unveiled an SUV concept which features a quite unique appearance with a design specifically aimed at Chinese consumers.

The overall shape of the SUV concept shows nothing innovative or overly creative and certainly looks to be close to production ready. The front fascia features an evolved version of the Reg Flag's signature grille with the addition of large vents, the side panels lack any type of unique styling lines with a very curvaceous appearance and this design style continue right around the rear end.

Power comes courtesy of FAW's self produced V12 which will also be used in the HQE limousine, an engine which China's largest car company claims to have a number of technological advances. These include an advanced combustion system, full aluminum light weight design, optimized fuel economic efficiency and lower emissions. This engine will also lay the foundations for a V6 and a V8 engine to follow.

A production version of the Red Flag SUV Concept is not expected until at least 2010.

Nissan Teana Premium Sedan Revealed

2008-05-11T01:52:00.001-07:00

At the 2008 Beijing Motor Show, Nissan revealed the new Teana Premium Sedan – the first time we get to see the production version (other than the customary pre show leaks) of the Intima Concept from last year's Tokyo Motor Show. With this all new model, Nissan is looking to demonstrate its commitment to bringing high quality world class products to the Chinese consumers.

The design stays very much along the lines of the concept model, albeit toned down for production. Gone are the rear hinged back doors (suicide doors) and the front windscreen which ran from the bottom of the A-Pillar right over the roof to the top of the C Pillar has been replaced with the more conventional front windscreen and sunroof.

Power will come courtesy of Nissan's V6 Engine(VQ25DE and VQ35DE versions) and XTRONIC CVT(continuously variable transmission) and especially for China - a two-liter four-cylinder engine(MR20DE) will also be made available.

Ford Fiesta Makes Asian Debut at Auto China

2008-05-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

The all new Ford Fiesta made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, and has now made its Asian debut at the 2008 Auto China show in Beijing with the first 'performance' model, the Ford Fiesta S. The all new Ford Fiesta small car will go into production in China later this year.

The Ford Fiesta follows the design language initiated on the Ford S-MAX and Mondeo, both award winning cars. The new Fiesta is Ford's first car from their global product development process and will see localized variants for Europe, Asia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010.

Joe Bakaj, Vice President of Product Development, Ford of Europe: "More than ever, we’re leveraging our global product development expertise, and this car sets the scene for future great products for customers around the world that are already being developed behind it in the Ford Global Product Development System pipeline.”

The Ford Fiesta range will most likely feature a three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and 4-door notchback (or sedan for most people) besides the performance models like the Fiesta ST and hopefully Fiesta RS. The new Fiesta is a compact, light-weight car but uses ultra high-strength steels and therefor features a very high structural stiffness, maximum fuel efficiency and minimized CO2 emissions.

Honda Announces New Li Nian Marque for China

2008-05-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Honda and their Chinese partner Guangzhou Honda Automobile have this weekend announced an entirely new brand for the Chinese market. The Li Nian marque will launch in 2010 but Honda has debuted the brand's first concept car at the Beijing 2008 Auto China.

Li Nian roughly translates to English as 'idea' and is based on Guangzhou Honda's desire to create a new brand by Chinese and for China. Li Nian hopes to pursue lofty ideals with a challenging spirit, or an affordable car with dynamics and stylishness.

The Li Nian Concept was designed entirely by Guangzhou Honda Automobile Research & Development, and even though Honda HQ in Japan is supporting the effort, Guangzhou Honda will take all initiatives and eventually sell the new brand through their existing dealer network.

As a final note, Li Nian is the pronunciation of the Chinese brand name; therefore, it will not appear on any product and is included here for reference only.

Geely at 2008 Auto China

2008-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Auto China show in Beijing will be an important milestone show for Geely. It will be the show where the Chinese marque re-invents itself with a horde of new models all with the 'intention to continue beyond'.

Geely said in a previous press release: 'The year 2008 holds great significance for Geely’s Internationalization, strategic transform and overall elevation of the competitiveness of Geely Brand.'

Geely will be bringing 23 models to the show consisting of a concept car and three high tech models among others, a record for the Chinese car maker. One of this year's show-stoppers will be the Geely GT, a grand-tourer Geely CEO Li Shufu classed as a 'small Rolls-Royce'.

Thirteen models will show where Geely is headed in the near future, starting with the King Kong and CE hatchbacks, HE minivan, NL and Cross GE SUVs and the FC-1, FC-2 and FC-3.

Stay tuned for more information later this month at the 2008 Auto China show.

Ford S-MAX Trend to Debut at Auto China

2008-05-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ford introduced the S-MAX in 2007, a Sport Activity Vehicle with three rows of seats for 7 people. At the upcoming 2008 Auto China Ford will release the Ford S-MAX Trend, a five-seat variant of Europe's 2007 Car of the Year.

Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company: “The S-MAX is spacious, safe and convenient but not everyone needs seven seats. Introducing a five-seat variant to the S-MAX range makes perfect sense and illustrates Ford's ability to provide Chinese customers with cars and features they want."

The Ford S-MAX Trend there for seats only five people but buyers do end up with 185 liters of extra cargo space. Power comes from a 2.3 liter, all-aluminum engine which produces 117 kW at 6,500 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Press release:

Ford enlarges its S-MAX range with the five-seat S-MAX Trend for customers who want more space instead of more seats.

In 2007, Ford launched the award-winning S-MAX as a seven-seat Sport Activity Vehicle. Today, Ford announces the introduction of a five-seat variant that offers the convenience of more load space.
With class-leading driving dynamics, bold kinetic design, responsive 2.3-litre engine and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the 2008 Ford S-MAX is the driving definition of the perfect sport activity vehicle.
All Ford S-MAX models are equipped with ABS (with EBD), rear parking sensors.
The seven-seat S-MAX Ghia and Flagship models are equipped with front-passenger seatbelt reminder and side airbags as standard occupant safety features.

Ford S-MAX owners appreciate the safety and convenience of three rows of seating for seven passengers. However, for some potential Ford S-MAX customers, seven seats is two too many.

Today, Ford releases details of the five-seat S-MAX Trend that joins the S-MAX model range for 2008.

Ford will debut the new five-seat S-MAX Trend at Auto China 2008 in Beijing alongside the seven-seat S-MAX Flagship.

“The S-MAX is spacious, safe and convenient but not everyone needs seven seats. Introducing a five-seat variant to the S-MAX range makes perfect sense and illustrates Ford's ability to provide Chinese customers with cars and features they want," said Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company.

Four Model Range, Additional Features for 2008

The five-seat S-MAX Trend is a new variant tailored to meet market demand. It has two rows of seating in line with requests of some S-MAX customers who desire more cargo space.

With the absence of a third-row of seats, the five-seat S-MAX Trend offers 185 litres more of rear cargo space.

2008 introduces additional safety and luxury features across the Ford S-MAX range. Rear parking sensors and footlights are now standard features on all 2008 S-MAX models.

All S-MAX models are equipped with ABS (with EBD).

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is offered on certain models. The S-MAX Ghia and Flagship models gain front-passenger seat-belt reminder and seat-mounted side airbags to improve side-impact protection for front seat occupants.

More Advantages than a Sedan or an MPV

Award-winning Ford S-MAX with space flexibility, precise driving dynamics and bold, energetic kinetic design reaches a new exciting segment in the SAV market. Compared with sedans, it offers more room with the advantage of flexible seating. Compared to an MPV, S-MAX is naturally more agile, quicker to manoeuvre and delivers more driving pleasure.

The five-seat Ford S-MAX Trend is economical to run. For example, vehicle repair costs and maintenance costs for the five-seat S-MAX Trend are approximately equal with the associated cost of a traditional family sedan.

Flexible Space

Seven-seat Ford S-MAX models feature the Fold Flat System which can be arranged into 32 different seating layouts. S-MAX also has 26 storage areas so finding a convenient place to put stuff is never more than an arm's length away. These clever features allow the S-MAX to meet the various needs of modern families – for work, school and leisure.

Driving Dynamics

Excellent driving dynamics is a quality every driver will appreciate and S-MAX has it. It responds to driver inputs precisely, remains balanced on-road and is relaxing to drive.

The 2.3-litre engine develops more than 117kW at 6500rpm and delivers peak torque of 205Nm at 4000rpm. The engine uses Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) to deliver more power over a wider engine speed range. The engine develops 90 percent of peak torque between 2000-5000rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission with driver-select manual mode accompanies the all-aluminium engine. The combination is impressively smooth, quiet and refined.

MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear independent suspension layout is the basis of Ford’s excellent C3P chassis design. Body integrity and structural rigidity enhanced by a front and rear sub-frame contribute to the S-MAX's precise steering response and outstanding dynamics.

Kinetic Design

Ford S-MAX is the first production model to feature Ford of Europe's kinetic design form language. Mondeo and next-generation Fiesta also feature distinct and bold kinetic design elements.

The Ford S-MAX is characterized by a distinctively angled nose and dynamic headlamps. Fog lamps are placed inbound and high on the front bumper, giving the vehicle an athletic look. The slim upper grille is complemented by a dominant inverted trapezoid grille below the number plate area. This is a Ford design signature, and adds a touch of aggression to the frontal appearance. At each side of the lower grille area, "gills" resembling cooling ducts give S-MAX a distinct performance identity.

Ford’s kinetic design creates an S-MAX that is visually bold and dynamic. The fast roof line arching into the bonnet, the muscular wheel arches and the distinctive kick-up to the rear window all visually indicate that S-MAX is the perfect Sport Activity Vehicle.

Chinese Citroen C-Elysee Unveiled

2008-05-06T01:53:00.000-07:00

Citroen and Peugeot have been present in the Chinese market since 1992, and have a small range of cars to show for it. Starting with the Chinese Citroen C2 (a Peugeot 206 with Citroen badge), Fukang, Xsara Picasso, C-Triomphe and the Elysee while the remainder is imported from Europe (C4 Coupe, C5 saloon and C6).

Today Citroen unveiled a new model for China, the Citroen C-Elysee which is based on the Elysee but with 300 perceivable improvements in regards to styling, quality and technology. The Citroen C-Elysee will have its official show debut at the upcoming 2008 Auto China in Beijing. The new C-Elysee comes in three trim levels and five versions, all powered by the 1.6i 16V engine.

Citroen has graced the C-Elysee with its new front end design, aswell as new wheels and three-dimensional rear lights. Citroen has put as many gadgets into the budget car as possible, like ABS brakes, while a Bluetooth audio system, 6 CD hard-disk jukebox and USB socket are optional.

Press release:

Citroën C-Elysée: a new model for the Chinese market

Citroën unveiled a new model, the C-Elysée, in Beijing on 8 April 2008. Based on the Elysée, the newcomer benefits from numerous upgrades in terms of styling, quality and technology.

The C-Elysée strengthens the range of models produced in China by Dong Feng Peugeot Citroën Automobiles (DPCA), consisting of the C2, Fukang, Xsara Picasso and C-Triomphe. The range is rounded out by the C4 Coupé, C5 saloon and C6, imported from Europe.

The C-Elysée is immediately recognisable as a new-generation Citroën with its expressive, modern-looking front end.

At the reveal press conference, Yves Moulin, Managing Director of Dongfeng Citroën, said that 300 improvements had been made to the C-Elysée, all of which can be perceived by the customer.

The new range features three trim levels and five versions, fitted with the 1.6i 16V engine. The C-Elysée will be launched following its public debut at the Beijing Motor Show on 24 April.

Generous, contemporary styling

The C-Elysée gains a new front end in line with the Marque’s most recent creations, together with new wheels and three-dimensional rear lights. The cabin gets new front seats and lighter colours.

Top quality

The C-Elysée is targeted at customers with modest budgets looking for a car with modern styling and top quality. The aim of all these upgrades is to ensure the highest levels of perceived quality and quality in use.

Citroën has equipped the C-Elysée with latest-generation anti-lock brakes. It also ships with a Bluetooth audio system, 6-CD hard-disk jukebox and USB socket as options, while the boot lid features an automatic opening function.

Customer-oriented technology

C-Elysée benefits from all of the Marque’s technological expertise, with a high-performance engine, low fuel consumption, and manual and automatic gearboxes. In addition, the suspension has been reworked to reduce noise levels.

More than 250 4S distributors are on the ground in China to sell and service the new C-Elysée. Customers have access to a 24/7 hotline and benefit from the considerable experience of Citroën, which has already sold more than 800,000 vehicles in China.

Nissan Livina C-Gear to Debut at Auto China

2008-05-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

China is Nissan's third largest after the United States and their home country Japan. Nissan has developed the Livina range almost exclusively for China (the Livina range is also marketed to smaller markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Africa) and will be extended to three models at he upcoming 2008 Auto China motor show in Beijing.

The new sporty hatchback, the Nissan Livina C-Gear (known as the X-Gear in other markets) will join the Livina Geniss (Grand Livina) and Livina hatchback. The C-Gear is based on the Livina hatchback and is aimed to broaden the appeal to the already popular Livina. The C-Gear has a sportier feel inside achieved through a black and silver finish while retaining its functionality with its 383 liter boot.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter petrol engine with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The Nissan Livina C-Gear, like the other Livina models, has been designed and engineered at Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan but the C-Gear will be built locally at DFL's Huadu plant in the Guangdong province in China.

The Nissan Livina C-Gear will next reach Indonesian shores.

Nissan Intima Production and Auto Show Ready

2008-05-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

At the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show Nissan revealed the Intima Concept, a sedan which looked pretty close to production ready. Today, the Chinese Autobloggers came across two (very low res) spy photos of what looks very much like the finished Intima.

The futuristic taillights and exhaust tips have been dropped, to no great surprise, but overall shapes seem to have survived in what could be Nissan's flagship in China. Now that these images have surfaced, it is only fair to assume that the new Nissan will make its world debut at next months Auto China in Beijing.

The Nissan Livina Geniss was launched at the 2006 Guangzhou International Motor Show. Currently the Nissan Livina range consists of the Livina and Livina Geniss. Could it be that the new sedan will be join the Livina range, or will the name remain Intima? We hope to have some answer next month at the 2008 Auto China show.

Audi Q5 to Debut at Beijing Motor Show

2008-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Audi Q5 dominated the headlines over a month ago when several so-called ‘first images’ of the five-seater SUV found their way through various websites online. It was initially reported to make its world debut at Geneva, but this speculation was quashed when Audi announced its Q7 V12 TDI sometime later instead. After a month of silence, rumours over the debut of the Q5 are now surfacing again.

Autoweek reports that the Q5 will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show next month, packed with Audi's new seven-speed DSG/S-Tronic. It will be based on Audi’s MLP platform (which apparently will also underpin Porsche’s upcoming five-seater SUV), with a longitudinally placed engine. The new gearbox can handle up to 405 lb-ft of torque and 8,500 rpm of engine revs; and will initially appear in future Quattro models as well as in the new A4, and subsequently in all front-wheel-drive models.

Acura TSX at New York auto show

2008-04-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

At the upcoming New York International Motor Show Acura will display their brand new second generation TSX, last week Acura released a teaser image and a tit-bit of information. Full details of Acura's new sport sedan have been posted on the VWVortex forums well before the show. The all new Acura TSX is specifically designed for YUP's and image seekers with its “keen design, performance and advanced features”.

The 2^nd generation TSX has grown on all fronts, measuring and additional 2.4 inches in overall length, 3 inches in width, 1.3 inch longer wheelbase and a 2.6 inch wider track. Power comes from a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 201 hp with 172 lb-ft of torque which meets the EPA's Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV standards, a first in TSX history. The engine can be coupled to a close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters are optional for the automatic.

the 2009 Acura TSX features yet another Acura first, namely a closed-channel cross-braced roof system and inside frame rails resulting in a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. The inside frame rails provide better aerodynamics underneath the car which is advantageous to fuel efficiency, lowers emissions and reduces noise.

There is no word yet on pricing or when the 2009 Acura TSX will go on sale, but stay tuned for live pictures from the NYIAS.

All New Honda Fit to Debut at NYIAS

2008-04-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

The current Honda Fit has been a big success for Honda in the United States, proving to the Japanese car manufacturer that small cars are indeed wanted by the American public. All the more reason for Honda to schedule the world debut for the all new 2009 Honda Fit for the New York International Auto Show.

Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda: ”The all-new Honda Fit will reconfirm that small can in fact be big.”

Alongside the new 2009 Fit, Honda will be displaying a Honda Pilot Prototype which will display some of the 2009 Honda Pilot's design features. The new Honda Pilot is set to debut spring 2008. The Honda FCX Clarity will be on display in New York for the first time as well.

World Car of the Year: Top Three Finalists Announced

2008-04-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last year, Lexus took home the World Car of the Year title with its LS 460, and this year the panel of judges has to select between the Ford Mondeo, Mazda2 (a.k.a. Mazda Demio), and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The three were chosen from the initial list of top ten finalists, which includes the Audi A5/S5, Audi R8, Cadillac CTS, Ford S-Max, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Nissan Qashqai, and Volvo C30. The award is scheduled to be announced at the New York Auto Show on March 20th.

To those who were expecting one of the above seven to win, there are also other minor-league awards such as the World Performance Car, World Green Car, and the World Car Design of the Year titles.

The three finalists for the World Performance Car award are the Audi R8, Audi S5 Coupé, and BMW M3. The three finalists for the World Green Car award are the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics, SmartForTwo cdi, and Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. The three finalists for the World Car Design of the Year award are the Audi R8, Mazda2 (a.k.a. Mazda Demio), and Volvo C30.

Press release:

February 20, 2008 - The countdown continues in preparation for the 2008 World Car awards winners’ press conference at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 20, 2008. Announcing the annual World Car of the Year awards at the New York show is a fitting finale to the international auto show season that begins each fall with either the Paris or Frankfurt motor shows.

From an initial entry list of thirty-nine (39) new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten finalists, the top three contenders for the overall 2008 World Car title were announced today by the international accounting firm KPMG. They are, in alphabetical order:
• Ford Mondeo
• Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class

To be eligible for a World Car award, the contender had to be in production, and sold, on at least two continents during 2008.

Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of forty-seven (47) top-level automotive journalists from twenty-four (24) countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work.

Three additional winners for the World Performance Car, World Green Car award, and the World Car Design of the Year will also be announced at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 20, 2008.

In preparation, KPMG announced today that the Top Three finalists for the 2008 World Performance Car award, presented by Mobil 1, are, in alphabetical order:
• Audi R8
• Audi S5 Coupé
• BMW M3

While the winner of the overall World Car of the Year Award must excel in a broad range of attributes, the World Performance Car award must demonstrate a specific and overt sports/performance orientation while satisfying the same availability criteria as for the overall World Car of the Year award.

Entrants may be chosen from that list of eligible vehicles, or they may be newly introduced variants that satisfy the same criteria, but are derived from existing rather than brand-new models. In all cases, they must have a minimum annual production rate of five-hundred (500) vehicles.

“It is a great honor to stand with the top three contenders vying for the prestigious World Performance Car Award,” said Nancy Carlson, strategic global alliances - sales director, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. “For more than 30 years, Mobil 1’s leading technology has influenced the world’s top engineers and performance car enthusiasts with its outstanding engine protection and superior performance capabilities. We wish the three finalists the best of luck in their quest to become the 2008 World Performance Car.”

To be eligible for the 2008 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to available in at least one major market during 2007. The vehicle or the green technology could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2007. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.

The forty-seven (47) member jury chose the following top three finalists for the 2008 World Green Car award:
• BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics
• SmartForTwo cdi
• Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI

Cars eligible for the 2008 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates.

A design panel consisting of four highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors. The design experts were:
• Silvia Baruffaldi: Managing Editor, Auto & Design magazine
• Robert Cumberford: design critic, Automobile and Auto & Design magazines
• Akira Fujimoto: Editor-in-Chief, Car Styling magazine.
• Tom Matano: Executive Director, School of Industrial Design, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, USA

Jurors then voted on the expert’s recommendations. The top three design finalists are, in alphabetical order:
• Audi R8
• Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
• Volvo C30

Now in their fifth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the most prestigious and credible programs of their type in the world.

The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on a global scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

Scion Hako Coupe Concept to Debut at New York

2008-04-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

Scion, Toyota's hip and happening subsidiary car manufacturer, is readying itself to reveal a new sporty coupe concept car at the upcoming 2008 New York International Auto Show. The Scion Hako Coupe Concept is a new interpretation of the box concept, which was developed by the Tokyo Design Division who in turn studied global, youth-inspired trends.

What those trends are, and whether it will be a type of xD coupe or early indications of a tC replacement, we will only know when we see the car in full. Stay tuned for our live coverage of the NYIAS starting March 19.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept in New York

2008-04-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

Suzuki plans to debut the latest in its Kizashi series of design concepts at the New York Auto Show in March. The Concept Kizashi 3 is an upscale sports sedan, and based on early sketches released by Suzuki, could be close to production. The Concept Kizashi 3 will be joined on the New York stand by the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2. It will be the first North American appearance for the Kizashi concept series.

Inspired by the theme of a "dynamic athlete in motion," the Kizashi concepts hint at a new design language for Suzuki's automotive lineup. With the recent introduction of the Equator pickup truck, Suzuki has hinted strongly at plans to expand the lineup further with a flagship luxury sedan. Could the Concept Kizashi 3 be it? We'll find out in a couple of weeks.

Press release:

Brea, Calif., (March 6, 2008) – The New York International Auto Show welcomes American Suzuki Motor Corp. on Thursday, March 20, as the company debuts its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, the final addition to its acclaimed Kizashi concept series. The Concept Kizashi 3, which suggests both Suzuki’s future design direction and stated intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan, will be joined in New York by the North American debuts of the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.

The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with the Concept Kizashi, which made its debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show last October, which further pushed Suzuki’s new design language. The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering. The complete Kizashi concept series will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference on Thursday, March 20, at 12:10 p.m. in booth 1215 at the Javits center.

Pontiac G8 Sport Truck Unleashed

2008-04-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

The legendary Chevrolet El Camino truck is carved into US car history in its very own, unique and special way. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1959 when the first generation, based on the Chevrolet Brookwood, was conceived to compete with the Ford Ranchero. Sales were not as expected, and in 1960 the El Camino was discontinued.

1964 saw the return of the El Camino, this time based on the Chevrolet Chevelle. Two more generations followed which were based on the Chevelle until 1978 when GM revealed the smaller, fourth generation El Camino based on the Chevrolet Malibu. In 1987 production of the Camino was discontinued once again.

Today, the El Camino has started yet another chapter with the unveiling of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck (or simply the Pontiac G8 ST). Jalopnik got close to the new Pontiac G8 Sport Truck at a photo shoot of the pre-production model and dropped us a few shots of the new El Camino. PickUpTruck was the other lucky invitee.

The Pontiac G8 ST is based on the popular G8, which in turn is based on the Australian Holden VE Commodore. The Pontiac – Holden connection is not new of course since the legendary Pontiac GTO was derived from the Holden Monaro.

"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "There's simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities."

The Pontiac G8 ST will be powered by the 6.0L V-8 engine, producing 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque just like the Pontiac G8 GT. In addition, the Sport Truck also comes with a 1.8 meter long cargo bed and 1208 liter cargo space.

GM will start an online petition to determine what the new ute should be called, but is there really an alternative to Pontiac G8 El Camino?

Pontiac G8 GXP To Debut At New York Auto Show

2008-04-22T14:43:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we brought you news that GM was preparing to introduce a GXP variant for the Pontiac G8 sedan. Now the company has officially released information regarding the model ahead of its New York Auto Show debut.

Power comes from a slightly detuned version of the LS3 6.2L V8 engine found in the Corvette. Producing 402hp and 402 ft-lbs of torque in the GXP, the car has a healthy increase of 41 hp and 16 ft-lbs of toque over the GT version. GM estimates a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a quarter mile time of 13 seconds flat at 108 mph.

Making an appearance on the G8 options list for the first time is a six speed manual transmission. Both automatic and manual versions will come with a limited-slip differential. A Nürburgring tuned sport suspension and powerful Brembo brakes ensure the GXP has more sporting potential than anything Pontiac has made in decades.

Exterior differences include new polished aluminum 19-inch wheels, a unique front fascia and a distinctive rear diffuser. The interior comes standard with two-tone sport seats with color-coordinated gauge cluster and GXP embroidery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, and alloy sport pedals.

Subaru R1e Headed to New York

2008-04-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

This week at the New York International Auto Show Subaru will announce that their small electric vehicle, the R1e, will be evaluated by the New York Power Authority all summer. Of course, the Subaru R1e will be on show at the NYIAS.

The Subaru R1e is not a new car, it has been thoroughly tested in Japan where it has won the ‘2006 Commendation For Global Warming Prevention Activity’ award. The 2+2 small car has been developed by Subaru, Tokyo Electric Power and NEC Lamilion Energy. Tokyo Electric Power hopes to have 3,000 R1e's on the Kanagawa prefecture roads by 2012.

The R1e electric vehicle has a range of 50 miles, roughly a quarter of the Tesla Roadster which went into production yesterday, but can be 'quick charged' in 15 minutes to 80% capacity (40 miles). A full recharge requires a regular power outlet, takes 8 hours and should cost no more than USD 2.

The Subaru R1e is powered by a 40 kW / 53 hp, AC permanent magnet synchronized electric engine and capable of a tops speed of 65 mph. The lithium-ion batteries are designed in layers to allow for easy recycling at the end of their 10 year life span.

2009 Nissan Maxima Leaked Ahead of New York Debut

2008-04-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday Nissan was kind enough to release a few teaser images of the seventh generation Maxima, but now courtesy of the web that is all over the world and extremely wide, we have the first full resolution shots ahead of its planned unveiling at the New York Auto Show tomorrow.

Ever since the Maxima was first introduced in1976, each new model has had a short lifespan of around 4 years (give or take a year). So Considering the current model has been on the market since 2004, we can put to bed any previous rumours that the 2009 Maxima will be a major facelift, what you see here is the all new model.

Full details, more high resolution press shots and of course live shots of our own will be released tomorrow when the 4-door sports car is unveiled, be sure to come back and check them out.

Geneva Motor Show 2008 Wallpapers

2008-04-18T11:16:00.001-07:00

Aston Martin DB9

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

Peugeot 308 SW

2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio

2009 Jaguar XJ Portfolio

Renault

Most Luxurious Grand Cherokee Ever

2008-04-16T15:16:00.001-07:00

Nowadays if you are driving a mid-sized SUV in the US, or in Europe and the rest of the world, a large SUV, you probably aren’t driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The model is not as hot as it used to be, while Chrysler’s ongoing financial woes aren’t helping the situation either.

Jeep is now working hard at getting those bums back on to Grand Cherokee seats, starting with the new upgraded 2008 model. The list of stuff you get with this vehicle is as tall as tales previously reserved for unscrupulous politicians. MyGIG infotainment system is probably top of the list with its endless capabilities like MP3 playability, Bluetooth, 20GB integrated hard drive and DVD player.

New looks go with the new stuff, looks like softer dashboard materials, new interior colours, new instrument cluster and a better-adjustable steering wheel column. Exterior also makes some changes to stand out from the unface-lifted model, like the new grille design and new headlamps.

Hill Descent is quite a nifty little technology that helps “hold” the vehicle still on a steep, making it possible to move off without rolling back, even with a trailer in tow. Real nifty. A new model line called S-Limited gets introduced too, with looks obviously borrowed from SRT-8 like “arrowhead”18-inch alloy wheels, SRT body-coloured wire mesh front grille and body-coloured wing mirrors.

The United Kingdom gets this Jeep Grand Cherokee upgrade immediately.

Pontiac Solstice Coupe at NYIAS

2008-04-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Pontiac Solstice has been living up to GM's expectations and has today resulted in the addition of a new model to the Solstice range, the Pontiac Solstice Coupe. The Solstice Coupe will arrive at dealerships in early 2009.

The Pontiac Solstice is based on Europe's Opel GT Roadster but has now surpassed its preceptor. The Solstice Coupe on show at the the New York International Auto Show is based on the GXP model, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW). The regular Solstice Coupe will feature a 2.4 liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine generating 173 horsepower (129 kW).

The Coupe is a multi-functional car with its detachable roof, after all summer will eventually make it up to Maine too. “The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.

EDAG had already once put a hard-top onto the Solstice too, with a less slanted roof line, but Pontiac primarily took inspiration from their own 2002 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Concept. “The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure,” said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer.

2009 Ford Mustang Warriors in Pink Edition at NYIAS

2008-04-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

At this year's New York International Auto Show Ford will display the new Warriors in Pink edition of the 2009 Ford Mustang. The 2009 Ford Mustang WiP Edition is limited to 1,000 units. For each vehicle sold Ford will donate USD 500 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, that's double what Ford donated from their 2008 Mustang WiP Edition. Over 14 years Ford has donated more than USD 95 million to breast cancer education and research and hopes to raise USD 1 million this year.

“Thanks to the tremendous response from our dealers and customers to the 2008 ‘Warriors in Pink’ Mustang, we knew we needed to continue offering the package, and we’re happy to be able to increase our support for the Cure at the same time,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

The 2009 Mustang Warriors in Pink package is available on the Mustang V6 Premium Coupe and Convertible. The package includes a new grille, pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink striping and pink stitching on the charcoal leather seats and steering wheel. The charcoal floor mats have their own pink ribbons.

The 2009 Ford Mustang WiP will be available at dealerships nationwide this summer.

Acura TSX Makes World Debut at New York Auto Show

2008-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

In the first press conference of the New York Auto Show, Acura unveiled the all new second-generation TSX which surprisingly is one of the few all new vehicles that has failed to leak to the web ahead of its debut other than a rather revealing teaser shot released earlier this month.

The TSX has been redesigned inside and out to be “more Acura” than ever to continue its appeal in the entry level sports sedan segment setting it up to do battle with the likes of the Audi A4, Infiniti G37, BMW 3 Series. Power will come from a 2.4-liter DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine producing 201hp, which is a decrease of 4hp on the outgoing model, however torque has increased and it also meets ultra low emission vehicle standards.

A great emphasis has been placed on safety for the new generation TSX, among many safety features, it uses Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and is fully expected to receive high safety ratings NHTSA and IIHS.

Pricing is likely to be set at a little under $30,000.

Press release:

Acura provided a one-two punch with the world debut of the all-new second-generation TSX sports sedan along with the appearance of the redesigned RL luxury performance sedan at the New York International Auto Show today. With new engines, refined drivetrain, and Acura's latest Keen Edge Dynamic styling, the all-new TSX and RL highlight a new direction for Acura sedans.

"With powerful looks and performance, the debut of the new TSX has taken an enthusiastic bite out of the Big Apple," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "Besides offering enhanced performance, the 2009 TSX has improved fuel economy, lower emissions, added safety features, and more technology than ever before."

Producing 201 hp from a 2.4-liter engine, the DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder now delivers its power across a much wider rpm range. Along with more torque, the new 2.4L is also cleaner as it meets EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards.

Merging crisp, dynamic design with a bold new signature Acura grille, the 2009 TSX is more distinctive and sporty. Due to its greater length and width, wider track, and longer wheelbase, the new TSX provides additional interior room while new fully independent front and rear suspension with dual-stage dampers provides more agile handling.

The TSX is equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, a premium 7-speaker sound system (with CD, AM/FM and XM® Radio), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface.

The available Technology Package features leading-edge electronics including the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink® weather. Included in the Technology Package is an audiophiles dream in the form of a 415 watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio designed by Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner.

Designed with an emphasis on safety, the 2009 TSX now makes use of Acura's esteemed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The 2009 TSX, with ACE™ and a host of other safety features, is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both governmental (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

Also making its first appearance in New York is Acura's new 2009 RL luxury sedan which features bold new styling, an all-new 3.7-liter engine, chassis enhancements and numerous technological upgrades. Performance improves with the 2009 RL thanks to a new 300 horsepower V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves. The top-of-the-line Acura furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™, a new Note function for XM® Radio, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the form of enhanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a revised steering system, firmer coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and larger wheels and tires.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.

Nissan Denki Cube Concept Unveiled At New York Auto Show

2008-04-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's Japanese for 'electric' and bids Americans to watch this space. Nissan are proudly debuting their new Denki Cube Concept, based on the highly successful homegrown Cube, set to make its US market entry in production form early next year. This is a concept car previewing Nissan's small car vision for the North American market, more specifically acting as preview model to the next-generation petrol-powered 2009 Cube.

Electric by name and electric by nature, the Denki showcases Nissan's committment to providing consumers with a functional but 'charming' solution to the demand for economical and efficiently-packaged vehicles. In doing so, the Denki fuses a standard 1.3-litre inline petrol unit with that of an electric motor and compact lithium-ion battery producing twice the energy as similar conventional batteries.

The concept car introduces new 'electric-themed' exterior and interior enhancements. A suitably electric front grille design complete with plug-in capability and a new lamp arrangement dubbed 'lightning' design head up the modifications at the front, while a new bumper design with concealed taillights finish the new rear. Special graphics leave little guesswork as to the new model's powertrain and are finished off by unique 16-inch wheel covers and a special white paint finish.

The Denki Cube is part of Nissan's Green Program 2010, focusing on wide-ranging environmental improvements from reduction of CO2 and exhaust emissions to improving recycling efficiency. Over at Nissan research and development, in co-operation with NEC Corporation, the aim has been to enhance battery performance and reduce battery costs, with an in-house developed Nissan hybrid vehicle expected to launch by 2011.

Press release:

New York City is about to get a lesson in what happens when geography meets geometry – specifically, when the world, which is round, meets the Nissan Cube, which is essentially square. The occasion is the world debut of the Nissan Denki (Japanese for “electric”) Cube Concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept, which will be on public display at the Nissan exhibit at Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 21 through March 30, was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s (NML) global environmental efforts. It also serves as a preview of Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009.

“The Denki Cube Concept is a fun way to expose American buyers to one of Nissan’s most popular home market cars at a time when fuel economy and packaging efficiency are on a lot of people’s minds,” said Al Castignetti, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “Like the production Cube on which it is based, the Denki Cube Concept is boxy yet charming, fashionable and functional, and completely tuned in to today’s needs for enjoyable efficiency.”

About the Denki Cube Concept

In creating the Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube. The iconic Cube has always been the antithesis of traditional automotive style – square, minimalist, asymmetrical and humble – yet also warm, relaxing, practical and undeniably charming. To this solid foundation, the Denki Cube adds a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments.

The Denki Cube Concept’s exterior features fresh front and rear styling treatments, including a new “electric themed” front grille design with an AC power charging port, a radical “lightning” headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. In the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) has been enhanced by a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel that enhances the interior’s sense of wide-open space. The Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. The finishing touch is provided by a special white pearl paint and graphics.

Inside, the Denki Cube Concept reflects the designers’ intention of creating a relaxing, moving social hub, like a favorite room in an owner’s house. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The newly designed front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim.

The biggest transformation from production Cube to Denki Cube Concept is one that isn’t visible – the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.

Nissan’s compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company’s traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material. In order to better leverage Nissan’s lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. – with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs.

“Nissan first had an electric vehicle in the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than ten years,” said Castignetti. “Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.”

About Nissan Green Program 2010

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s (NML) mid-term environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), is designed to fulfill Nissan’s environmental philosophy of “symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature” and contribute to a sustainable mobile society. NGP 2010 is specifically focused on reducing CO2 emissions both from Nissan products as well as from day-to-day corporate activities.

Nissan is focused on three core areas related to the environment: reducing CO2 emissions; reducing exhaust emissions; and accelerating recycling efforts.

Highlights of Nissan Green Program 2010 include:

Incorporating CO2 reduction as one of the key management performance indicators.
Launch a “three-liter car” with a target of 2010; a gasoline-fueled car that runs 100 kilometers on three liters of fuel.
Expand availability of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) within the next three years.
Launch a Nissan electric vehicle early in the next decade.
Develop an original Nissan hybrid vehicle targeted for launch in FY2010.
Accelerate development of plug-in hybrid technology.
By 2010, reduce CO2 emissions from global manufacturing plants by 7% (per unit) compared to 2005.

“The Nissan Green Program 2010 provides a transparent view of Nissan’s future commitments to all aspects of environmental management,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer, NML. “Nissan Green Program 2010 has been designed to address immediate challenges as well as creating the foundation towards a long-term sustainable business model.”

2009 Nissan Maxima Unveiled in New York

2008-04-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

Make way for the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima. The car which Nissan has branded as "the true 4-Door Sports Car" looks family sedan from the side, but a bit more aggressive from the front.

A seemingly intentional split personality, Nissan North America VP and General Manager Al Castignetti said, "Maxima has always enjoyed a certain ‘duality’ – a unique fusion of sedan practicality with the soul of a sports car." He went on to say, "In recent years, however, competitive vehicles have caught up with Maxima in ‘sporty’ looks and performance. For 2009, Nissan is reclaiming its rich 4-Door Sports Car heritage with an infusion of emotional design, driving excitement and advanced technology – creating a silky, stimulating sports sedan like no other on the road today."

This "duality" did have some significant effect on the design of the new Maxima. Originally, engineers were planning on puting together a Maxima that focused more on family. But inspired by the development of the GT-R, engineers decided instead to build a car that could be called "the best performing front engine, front-wheel, drive car in the world."

To accomplish this, the design team honed in on a redesign of the exterior -including LED taillights and those shark fin style headlights- significant cockpit improvements, and increases in performance.

Nissan will offer two models of the Maxima, the S and SV, each with a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 as standard. This petrol-burner has a bump of 35 horsepower over last year, with estimated ratings of 290 hp and 261 ft-lb of torque. The '09 shows a modest 9 ft-lb increase over the '08 model year. Engine is mated to a redesigned Xtronic CVT with available paddle-shifters, to replicate the feel of total control. This is a blow to the Maxima, as it might be necessary to have a full manual transmission if they want to compete with the Impreza and Lancer. 18-inch and 19-inch wheels are available as well. The Maxima gets 19mpg in the city, and 26mpg on the highway. This figure is slightly worse than the current model Honda Accord V6.

Optional packages include a sport package with the bigger wheels, tuned suspension, rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, and the paddle shifters. A premium package adds a dual panel moonroof, and several improvements found in the sport set (heated seats, Xenon, heated mirrors, and more). Add on the tech package, and you get a hard drive navigation system, 9.3gb Music Box system, and rearview monitor.

Available for purchase shortly, the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima will hit showroom floors across the States beginning this summer.

Dodge Challenger R/T & SE Models Introduced at New York

2008-04-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago Dodge pulled the wraps off the Challenger SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show, but with a limited production of 6400 there are likely to be a lot of unhappy punters queuing outside the dealerships. Fortunately the New York Auto Show sees the unveiling of the Dodge Challenger R/T & SE which will slot below the SRT8 although the only changes we see are under the hood.

The R/T model features the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the five-speed automatic has gained 30hp for 2009 bringing total output to 370hp and 398 lb.-ft.(540 Nm) of torque and for those of you who wish to go for the six-speed manual, output is pumped up to 375hp and 404 lb.-ft.(548 Nm) of torque. The entry level SE model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 250hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 Nm).

Production for the Challenger will commence in Ontario, Canada alongside the Chrysler 300c and Dodge Charger with first deliveries to arrive this fall.

BMW M3 Convertible & CS Concept in New York

2008-04-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

BMW’s Concept CS is now showing off its futuristic interpretation of a sports coupe GT at the New York International Auto Show being held in Manhattan, NYC. The Concept CS you’ll recall, made its first public appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2007. The car, bigger than a 7 Series, is the next style benchmark for BMW, taking flame surfacing to its next level.

Featuring an interior fit for a proper GT, the Concept CS will definitely be built, according to our sources inside BMW. Meanwhile, the M3 Convertible also makes its American debut at the show. M3 Convertible fits the same 4.0-litre V8 found in the coupe and saloon versions. It pronounces 414 bhp from its natural aspiration. M DCT, the new double-clutch gearbox, has been presented in the M3 Convertible. The 7-speed transmission looks set to star in other BMW products of the near future, especially upcoming M cars as well as its twin-turbo powered cars.

Present too at New York are the new X6, 1 Series coupe and Convertible, and the stonking 335D. BMW and other German automakers are keen to get Americans into the diesel swing of things as quickly as possible.

Land Rover LRX Hybrid Concept at New York

2008-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Land Rover is looking to the future, in more ways than one. Of course Tata is on the verge of buying the British marque from Ford, but Land Rover has already taken a step forward with the unveiling of the LRX cross-coupe concept at Detroit. Today a diesel-hybrid version follows the all-white LRX.

Land Rover has called it the Black and Silver LRX Hybrid Concept and is shows off a 2.0 liter turbo-diesel engine, capable of 50 mpg while emitting just 120 g/km of CO2, and a striking black & silver guise to display the car's suitability for personalization.

"The LRX concept already has an abundance of character, but you can tune the appearance to reflect a customer's own personality and lifestyle.” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director.

The Land Rover LRX has not been confirmed for production yet. Whether we will ever see this cross-coupe on the European or US roads depends on feedback from the general public. The Land Rover LRX was well received at NAIAS which has put Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, into a good mood, he said: “We've always seen scope for LRX to provide a whole showroom of different models, with a range of powertrains including hybrids and bio-fuel capable engines."

BOLD EVOLUTION

The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signaling the brand’s potential shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions and U.S. fuel economy of 50 mpg (60 mpg, 4.7 l/100km on the European combined cycle).

“The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” says Popham. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.

“LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction – but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take.”

COMPACT AND PREMIUM

LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 5.9 in (149 mm) shorter than the LR2 / Freelander 2 and 8.1 in (205 mm) lower, LRX is conceived as a premium vehicle, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of an SUV and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company’s design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognizable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance.

“LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting – because Land Rover has never built ordinary vehicles,” says McGovern. “LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy – it’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty.”

Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile SUV with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN

The white LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other SUVs of comparable size, and reduce CO2 emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX’s improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.

The concept’s integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) SUV ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some SUV rivals, Land Rover’s unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.

On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.

The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.

LRX also incorporates Hill Descent Control and Land Rover’s acclaimed and user-friendly Terrain Response system, which optimizes vehicle drivability and comfort, as well as maximizing traction. On LRX, this has five modes, including the new and efficiency-focused ‘Eco’ mode. Principally for on-road use, this configures all the integrated elements of the vehicle’s system for optimized fuel economy. The other four Terrain Response modes provided are sports (also new), general driving, sand and ‘grass/gravel/snow’ (a single program for slippery surfaces).

EXTENDING ‘BREADTH OF CAPABILITY’

The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern’s team, driven by a passion to create a vehicle that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the vehicle, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof – echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the vehicle its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognizable statement of Land Rover’s identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the vehicle’s visual overhangs front and rear.

There are new interpretations of Land Rover’s traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The vehicle has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheel arches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminum in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the vehicle’s shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be ‘punched out’ of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The ‘frosted’ white paint color was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the vehicle’s form.

IMPECCABLE, PREMIUM INTERIOR

The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile – and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details, while the visible structures of the seats, instrument panel and roof architecture not only give a highly distinctive look but also help save weight.

The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the center console reflects LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses ‘floating’ LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalized for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX’s touch screen display.

The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX’s involving personality, different Terrain Response modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background ‘mood’ lighting color – green in ‘Eco’, red in sports and blue in general driving and off-road modes.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE

Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality. A second touch screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX’s iPhone docking facility.

On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminum cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.

Every interior design detail combines to maximize both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a ‘spider’ frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

LRX’s distinctive seats ‘float’ on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space – while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, articulated mechanism of the powered seat backs maximizes interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed. With the rear seats folded forward, two mountain bikes can be fitted upright behind them, with front wheels removed and stored in dedicated slots in the floor. Alternatively, skis and surfboards can be accommodated in the generous load space, which has multiple tie-down options and a through-loading option.

“Flexible load-carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of LRX,” says McGovern. “With this vehicle, we’ve interpreted the idea of Land Rover ‘breadth of capability’ to be more about versatility and on-road dynamics than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of vehicle; they will not only appreciate LRX’s flexibility, but will also recognize that it has been packaged with the highest levels of precision.”

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN

The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover’s designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.

Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover’s deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminum (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-colored ‘fine suede’ on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibers.

“We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people’s practical needs,” says Popham. “No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a vehicle that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 171.3 in / 4351 mm
Width (excluding mirrors): 74.6 in / 1895 mm
Width (including mirrors): 82.0 in / 2083 mm
Height: 60.4 in / 1535 mm
Wheelbase: 104.7 in / 2660 mm
Engine (proposed): 2.0-liter turbodiesel
Fuel economy (potential): U.S. 50 mpg (60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km on European combined drive cycle)
CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)

All New Honda Fit Unveiled in New York

2008-04-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Honda Fit is set to shake the subcompact segment with its respectable top-of-class features, and Americans can finally drive it when the car goes on sale this fall.

The exterior is quite deceiving in respect of the interior space. Honda has promised that this entry-level car will not compromise with functionality and refinements, which is indeed evident. For that, the interior is generously spacious and rich in technology. Adding to the basic is the Magic Seat feature, which provides for multiple adjustment functions of the rear seats for improved spaciousness and seating positions.

The ‘Fit Sport’ option comes with even further refinements. The dashboard packs some new features including the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with 6.5” screen and the dynamic USB audio interface that is compatible with iPod and various other USB storage devices.

The car comes with a new 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox. The ‘Fit Sport’ option will additionally include steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Even with all the sportiness, Honda still gives safety the priority. The Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) technology that packs an innovative body structure comes with various standard safety features such as Vehicle Stability Assist and technologically advanced airbags.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Revealed in New York

2008-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Any doubts as to the ability of the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe to perform were quickly dispelled in New York as a pair of the cars greeted the press by sliding wildly around the Javits Center Galleria with stunt drivers at the wheel, backed by a pounding rock'n'roll soundtrack. With rear-wheel drive and a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 power, the new coupe represents a significant push into the sports car market for Hyundai. Shown as a concept in Los Angeles last year and carrying hints of past Hyundai concept cars, the Genesis Coupe is an Infiniti G37-sized car with serious sporting potential. It goes on sale in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model.

Engine choices are a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 212 horsepower and a 3.8 liter V6 shared with the Genesis sedan that's good for 306 horses. Both engines feature standard six-speed manual transmissions and dual cat-back exhaust systems, and a limited-slip rear is available as well. The hot setup will be the Genesis Coupe SE, with big Brembo brakes at all four corners and a track-tuned suspension. Expect more details as the year goes by.

Press release:

Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The 2010 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines – a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.

"We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sport coupes," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes driving to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like the Infiniti G37."

DESIGN PROCESS

Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact.

"The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."

Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The powerful curves, undulating beltline, surface detail, and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sport coupe concepts.

Genesis Coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic.

Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling

INTERIOR DESIGN

In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue gauge illumination.

Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Genesis Coupe GS and GT, to optional full black or brown leather on the GT, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the SE.

Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.

REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

Genesis Coupe’s body shell is rich in ultra-high-tensile steel. Genesis Coupe is lighter than the Infiniti G37, and its chassis is also 24 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the BMW E46 M3. Rear-wheel drive provides a 55:45 front/rear weight distribution.

POWERTRAINS

Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.

The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.

SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe which is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 18-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are used.

While all Genesis Coupe models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE’s track-tuned sport suspension features a stiffer front spring rate, stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. Genesis Coupe SE delivers an increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Genesis Coupes.

STEERING

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a quick ratio gear delivers both linearity and agility. The steering is also engine-RPM sensing.

TRANSMISSIONS

Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0t offers an optional five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® while the 3.8-liter V6 offers a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC to handle the additional torque.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that’s in use.

HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS

Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear rotors on SE models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single piston calipers.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

The 2010 Genesis Coupe offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption. In addition, the cut lines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers.

Music lovers will welcome the 2010 Genesis Coupe’s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.

SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

In keeping with Hyundai’s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2010 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.

Genesis Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.

The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.

All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupes. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies suggest vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.

THREE DISTINCT TRIM LEVELS

The Genesis Coupe is offered in three trim levels: the stylish and affordable GS, the premium-sport GT featuring the 3.8-liter V6, and the high-performance SE, available with either the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.8-liter V6 engine.

Scion Reveals Hako Coupe Concept

2008-04-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Scion’s 145.7-inch long Hako Coupe Concept being shown at the New York International Auto Show is something to behold. That is, if you are young, feisty and a trendsetter. Inspired by the xB, Hako draws from Japanese and American youth influences to create what Scion says is “a global perspective on today's youth”.

Look at the vertical windscreen that extends slightly into the roof, the trapezoidal LED headlights and 18-inch five-spoke wheels. The Hako’s lines are bold, they mingle with other lines one wouldn’t necessarily put inside the same box. They challenge the eye while giving mystery to their destination. How hot is that wrap-around glass that integrates frameless door windows and rear window.

The theme of youth, what Scion is essentially all about, is carried through by cool items like Bluetooth connection, two video monitors that play stuff connected through the Bluetooth utility. This function is controlled by a large sort of rollerball at the center console, giving Scion’s idea of an onboard computer mouse. Lots of storage space, regardless of the fact that Hako is a four-seater baby, is available for small carry-alongs like cell phones and magazines.

Maybe the coolest thing though are the cameras mounted just below the A-pillars, which can capture moments that driver and/or passengers can later edit for show. Imagine spying a concept car with one of these without even having to leave your car.

Kia KOUP Concept Unveiled in New York

2008-04-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

The aggressive front fascia is dominated by what could be Kia's signature design which we first saw at last year's SEMA show in the form of the Spectra5 SX Concept. A glimpse of BMW's CS Concept can be seen in the headlights, with a “we mean business” evil eye look to them, but whatever Kia are trying to achieve, you have to say the design works. The elegant design lines continue to the rear where we see the boot lid lifts from the base of the C Pillar rather than from the top as we are used to seeing on coupe models.

When we get inside, we see what could arguably be considered one of the best interior jobs seen from Kia. A race inspired steering wheel, inward leaning dashboard and Supervision instrument panel really do scream sporty at you.

Power comes coutesy of a 290hp 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine with torque standing at 289 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm.

The KOUP Concept doesn't look far from production ready, but we can't help but wonder what the Korean's intended market is for another 2 door coupe after the unveiling of the Genesis Coupe from it's sister brand Hyundai yesterday.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept Revealed at NYIAS

2008-04-05T02:59:00.000-07:00

It all started with the Suzuki Kizashi Concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the Kizashi 2 Concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and now the series reaches its next phase with the Kizashi 3 Concept at the 2008 New York International Motor Show. Suzuki is well on its way to produce a sports sedan based on this very concept car.

By 2010 Suzuki hopes to start selling their sport sedan in North America, even though Suzuki calls it a global car it is very much aimed at building their image in North America. Kizashi means prelude in Japanese, so it is safe to say that the sport sedan will go by a yet unknown name. The new Suzuki flagship will be built in Suzuki's brand new Sagara plant in Japan.

Suzuki is planning to power its new flagship sport sedan with a 3.6 liter DOHC V6 engine with plated cylinders delivering up to 300 hp. The plated cylinders save both weight and space, and has directly evolved from Suzuki's motorcycle business and WRC development teams.

Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans Unveiled

2008-04-05T02:55:00.000-07:00

Audi has already shown an R8 with a diesel engine at the Detroit Auto Show, the Audi R8 V12 TDI, but it seems that, with the impression that car has caused (jaws hitting the floor!) in a market were diesel vehicles are not very desirable, the company had to show its creation in an Old World auto show. And there it is: the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans at the Geneva Motor Show.

It looks like the German automaker has forgotten the previous presentation of an R8 with that V12 diesel engine, since it refers to the TDI Le Mans as a first, but it probably meant that for the production vehicle. Since concept cars do not count as first for anything, and Audi presents the TDI Le Mans as a concept, the idea of presenting a sports car with a V12 diesel engine will only be groundbreaking if it reaches the dealers. And it surely will. One more sign this car is aimed for production is its name: does anyone remember what the R8 was called before it was officially presented as a new addition to the brands range? Audi Le Mans quattro Concept. Coincidence? We do not think so.

Performance numbers are exactly the same ones the Audi R8 V12 TDI has already used to amaze the North American public: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 s, more than 300 km/h of top speed and a 6-litre engine that produces 500 cv and 1,000 Nm. It also features ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers in all four wheels, a bodyshell that weights only 210 kg and many other characteristics that can also be found on the regular (if a car like this can be called so) R8 and, therefore, are already known. Anyway, the most important question about this car is not what it can do. It is when.

Mercedes Vision GLK BlueTEC Hybrid Live Reveal

2008-04-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

Just launched at the Geneva Motorshow, this is the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK BlueTEC Hybrid. Basically, that means its Merc’s new GLK soft-roader in diesel-hybrid form. The concept can apparently achieve consumption figures of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres and Mercedes-Benz claims that it complies with the strictest emissions thanks to the highly efficient BLUETEC treatment process.

The engine is a four-cylinder diesel and in this study version is combined with a a hybrid module to deliver a total output of 165 kW/224 hp and 560 Newton metres of torque. Mercedes claim that the study is able to achieve a lower CO2 emission figure than any other model in the SUV market segment in the world, 157 grams per kilometre.

The car also features a start-stop function, which switches the engine off in certain circumstances, like when the car is stopped at traffic lights, and which was pioneered by BMW in their 1-series range. Similar to other hybrids, the electric motor acts like a generator under braking.

But more interesting than any of these developments is the styling of this car. It is well known that this is basically what the production GLK will look like and many onlookers have been astonished at the cars proportions. You be the judge and have a look at our live pictures, straight from the launch!

Peugeot 308 SW Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show

2008-04-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Peugeot has officially presented its new people mover, or its people mover beater, considering what it can do. The new 308 SW, besides being a good looking station wagon, also challenges most of European minivans in what is commonly reputed to be their best characteristic: versatility. It seats seven people and, when it decides to carry only five, there is plenty of space to handle everybodys luggage (508 l to 575 l, depending on the position of the sliding rear seats). If this was all the new vehicle had to offer, most buyers would probably stick with what they are already used to, but better handling also must come in the package.

Although the 308 SW seems to be a minivan killer, it must be taken into consideration that the European market is like a mothers heart: there is always space for everyone (at least this is what mothers say). Therefore, no one should be alarmed when the new Peugeot 3008 is presented to the public, what will probably happen at the Paris Motor Show this year. While it is not for sale, the 308 SWs versatility will help it occupy the space of a medium size minivan, something Peugeot has never offered, but Citroën has. And the Picasso (both the Xsara and the C4) have proved to be good additions to the French automakers range.

The new 308 SW will be available with six engine options (four petrol and two diesels), with variable outputs. The entry level will be equipped with the 1.4-litre VTi with 75 cv, but there will be another option of the VTi engine, the 1.6-litre that generates 120 cv. The other petrol engines are the 2-litre BioFlex, able to run also on E85, and the 1.6-litre THP engine, developed in cooperation with BMW, which, with its turbo system, is able to produce 140 cv, 150 cv and 175 cv.

As for the diesel options, there are the 1.6-litre HDi, with 90 cv and 110 cv, and the 2-litre HDi, with 136 cv. The oil burners are sure to be the best selling versions of the new station wagon, that replaces the 307 SW in Europe.

Nissan GT-R UK prices revealed at Geneva

2008-04-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

It’s all happening at Geneva as manufacturers are vying for centre stage. Big news for Nissan is the European launch of its luxury brand Infiniti. Trouble is, even though Nissan launched the GT-R to the global public at last years Tokyo motorshow, the car is still creating a stir wherever it goes and Nissan may run the risk of stealing the limelight from Infiniti on its GT-R European Geneva launch.

Today Nissan confirmed pricing and specifications for UK vehicles. £52,900 will get you into one of the fastest and most practical Supercars on the planet. £52,900 doesn’t sound much in isolation considering the cars performance but when you realise Nissan Japan charge somewhere in the region of £35,000 you have to question, why the huge jump? Nevertheless you can still out-race your Porsche 911 Turbo adversary to the bank to deposit the massive savings you will make over the German machine. There will be a three tiered range, the Standard car at £52,900, the GT-R premium edition at £54,200 and the GT-R Black edition topping of the range at £55,500.

The Premium Edition brings automatic headlamps and digital Bose® audio system. The Black Edition has exclusive Kuro black paint, gunmetal grey alloy wheels and black leather and Pearlsuede interior with red leather highlights. Nissan blames the delay in European launch (they don’t arrive until April 2009) on the build process being labour intensive, holding back global output to a 1000 vehicles per month.

As this is no ordinary Nissan, it will only be sold through ten select High Performance Centres throughout the UK. Complimentary collection and delivery service and a Unique Concierge Services Management programme will ensure the GT-R owner feels special.

Essentially the mechanical spec will remain unchanged so expect 480ps, 588Nm of torque, 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and a Vmax of 190+mph. See below for full specification.

New Dacia Sandero

2008-04-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Some brands like to look back on their heritages and try to recover some of the glamour of old times by readopting their first badges. Fiat has been a recent example. Anyway, this is not something that works for all of them. Take Dacia, for instance. Now the Romanian automaker has to prove it is able to produce modern, affordable and reliable vehicles. And there is nothing better to print a new image than a new badge. The car chosen to showcase the new brand’s identity is the Sandero.

This medium-sized hatchback has been the first vehicle Renault has introduced in any place other than Europe. The chosen country for the “avant première” has been Brazil, where the car has received the Renault badge. Dacia is not a known automaker in the South American country and Renault itself was struggling to be recognised as a local automaker (yes, Renault produces cars in Brazil) and make huge volumes there. Until it presented Logan, in 2007, and, more than the sedan, Sandero, in January 2008.

The European version of the hatch keeps most of its characteristics, apart from the engines, the brand’s badges (obviously) and the front fascia. As for the engines, Dacia Sandero will also offer three options, just like the Renault Sandero, but they will be very different. First of all, the entry level European Sandero will have a 1.4-engine delivering 75 cv, while the Brazilian version counts on a 1-litre 16V engine that pumps out 76 cv with petrol and 77 cv with ethanol (all Brazilian engines for Sandero are flexible). Both the European and the Brazilian Sandero count on a 1.6-litre engine, but the South American version is also more powerful: 92 cv (petrol)/95 cv (ethanol), against 90 cv from Dacia’s sibling. Anyway, there is something most Brazilians would eager to drive, but that is still not allowed in the country: a diesel version. The Dacia version will get two, both powered by a 1.5-litre engine, but with two different outputs: 70 cv and 85 cv. The flagship in Brazil is the Sandero Privilège 1.6 16V, with a 107 cv/112 cv (petrol/ethanol) 1.6-litre engine.

Dimensions of both cars are also the same: 4.02 m in length, 2.59 m in wheelbase, 2 m in width (including mirrors) and, surprisingly, the same height: 1,53 m. Brazilian roads and streets demand European projects to be a little higher than they are in the Old World. The boot holds 320 l.

Sandero sales in Europe, Turkey and Maghreb will start in June 2008 and, in 2009, it will also be offered in South Africa. Though prices have not been released so far, they will be close to Logan’s. In Brazil, the entry level Sandero costs R$ 29,900, something like € 11,700 , but don’t worry, European folks: you will surely pay less…

Skoda Superb Makes Geneva Debut

2008-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Skoda has introduced a new version of their mid-size Superb at the Geneva Auto Show. The new model features a Twindoor system which allows the vehicle to provide the look of a sedan with functionality of a hatchback. Owners will be able to open just the boot or both the hatch and the boot, allowing easy access to the rear. Interior room for the boot is 565 liters, with the rear seats down volume increases to 1670 liters.

Boasting more interior room than the previous generation, the new Superb now has one of the largest interiors in its class. Safety has been greatly improved as the car now offers up to nine different airbags, ensuring front and rear passengers are protected in the event of an accident. Among the options are bi-xenon headlamps, a touch screen navigation system, and parking assist.

Topping the Superb range is a 3.6L FSI V6 AWD model which produces 191kW, while a new Superb GreenLine with a 1.9L TDI engine rated at 77 kW will also be available.

2009 Corvette ZR1 at Geneva

2008-04-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet's reborn Big Dog, the Corvette ZR1, has crossed the Atlantic to greet European enthusiasts in Geneva. The most powerful production Corvette ever will be available in Europe as well as the United States when it goes on sale near the end of 2008. Chevrolet didn't release final European specifications, but the supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8 is rated to crank out 100 horsepower per liter and that means about 628 SAE-hp and about 807 Nm of torque.

That monstrous small-block V8 is hooked up to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with a twin-disc clutch, the better to survive the LS9's torque. Major suspension enhancements are also on hand to ensure that the Corvette ZR1 is manageable at high speeds.

Updated Aston Martin DB9 Debuts In Geneva

2008-04-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin used the Geneva Auto Show to debut their revised DB9. Featuring a reworked 6.0L V12 engine that produces 470 bhp and 600Nm of torque, the car now has a top speed of 190 mph. With the upgraded Touchtronic transmission, the DB9 can now accelerate from 0-60mph three tenths of a second faster at 4.6 seconds, equaling the time of the manual gearbox.

Improvements to the chassis include new Bilstein dampers, revised upper suspension arms and retuned suspension bushes, while changes to the front shear panel allow for a 10% increase in torsional rigidity. Together these enhancements improve ride quality and create a more pleasurable driving experience.

Changes to the DB9’s exterior are subtle and include 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, new door mirrors and a revised anodized aluminum five-bar grille. Inside a new center console constructed from die cast zinc features an iridium silver finish, while the Emotion Control Unit from the DBS replaces the key used on previous DB9’s.

The updated DB9 will begin arriving at dealerships in the second quarter of 2008, with prices starting at £113,950 for the Coupe and £122,950 for the DB9 Volante.

Maserati GranTurismo S at Geneva Motor Show 08

2008-03-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Maserati is not backing down from pursuing its sporting strategy. This can be seen by the marque’s return to the Geneva Motor Show where it first lifted the covers off the GranTurismo last year. The world-premier of the new GranTurismo S, which is based on the sexy GranTurismo that is already on sale, is the personification, as it were, of Maserati’s sportiness and comfort balance.

GranTurismo S power is persuaded by a willing new 4.7-litre V8 on natural aspiration. This motor delivers 440 bhp/ 328kW at 7,000 revolutions per minute, with maximum torque of 490Nm tapped at 4,750rpm. A fair amount of squeezing then, seems to be a requirement for maximum results. Maserati says it will shoot off from naught to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds with the clock stopping just shy off the 300km/h mark. GranTurismo is therefore the fastest ever production Maserati.

This engine is matched with a 6-speed MC-Shift gearbox whose shifting action is actuated electronically, making it extra quick in certain situations.

Maserati is more than just sport of course; firstly it is style and the GranTurismo S oozes that all the way. Inside generous amounts of Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara are evident, adding to comfort levels not seen in many other sports cars. Wheels are 20-inch Trident-shaped, complemented by oval-section exhaust pipes. Seeing this thing in the metal at Geneva left us gushing in anticipation of a drive.

Press release:

A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati is back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of the Marque’s sportiness. The new interpretation of the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.
The new 440 hp V8 4.7 engine, with a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4750 rpm, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, Transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and brakes made with dual-cast technology make the GranTurismo S the new flagship for Maserati sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 295 km/h, the highest ever reached by a production Maserati.
The compact and lightweight 4.7 litre V8 engine develops maximum power output of 440 hp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power output and more torque at lower speeds as well, without affecting the capacity to up the revs quickly, typical of racing engines. The increase in power output and torque has not affected the versatility of the power unit, which continues to be readily harnessed even during everyday use. It sounds deep and throaty, but the exhaust valve pneumatic control can also be activated to make it discrete.
An electro-actuated 6-speed gearbox is paired with the 4.7 litre V8 engine, and has MC-Shift software which harnesses the new engine’s power output, ensuring new unbeatable gearshift performance in terms of the whole sports car range.
The gearshift solution known as MC-Shift is the most important innovation of the electro-actuated system on the Maserati GranTurismo S: this includes management software and special hardware components which give top performance in terms of gearshift times.

In conventional electro-actuated systems the three shift phases (cut in torque and opening of clutch; gear disengagement, selection and engagement; closing of clutch and restoration of torque) are carried out sequentially.
On the Maserati GranTurismo S the shift phases are partially overlapped: gear disengagement and engagement take place in advance of clutch opening and closing; this means that the shift time, interpreted and calculated as the break in acceleration, drops to 100 ms, whilst the single gear engagement phase reduces to 40 ms.
The fast MC-Shift is available only when shifting up and in Manual Sport mode, provided that the transmission control unit recognises when given parameters relating to engine and transmission temperature are achieved: the quick shift is possible above 5500 rpm and with the throttle at 80%.
Once these parameters have been achieved, the system enables fast shift and warns the driver through the MC-S indicator on the dashboard display, which lights up and stays on.
The engine and gearbox on the Maserati GranTurismo S are arranged in the Transaxle layout, typical of high-performance sports cars and representing the technological DNA of Maseratis. The front-mounted engine, and the gearbox, located to the rear, are rigidly connected by a tubular element containing the driveshaft. This solution gives excellent weight distribution, 47% over the front axle and 53% over the rear axle, which translates into excellent dynamics and top performance.
Looking through the spokes of the new 20” rims on the GranTurismo S you can see the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo.
The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology — a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers.
This technology, introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, optimises the braking system’s performance, by emphasising pedal feel and increasing fatigue-resistance in the most extreme conditions.
At the wheel, the Maserati GranTurismo S is more rigid and compact, thanks to the suspension layout developed specifically to support the new weight distribution. Vehicle roll has been reduced significantly as a result of the modified springs, bars and dampers, and this has benefited handling and performance.
On the outside the Maserati GranTurismo S is distinguished by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and serve to make the car body appear even sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina. The integrated spoiler in the boot lid and the new-design side skirts help to improve the flows around the car. On top of that, the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts new specially designed 20” rims, which resemble the Trident, Maserati’s symbol.
The sporty look is complemented by the generously proportioned oval-section exhaust tailpipes. The radiator grille and headlight casings are black, while the Trident on the grille and the oval badge below the hood are embossed in red, in true Maserati racing tradition.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara (used for the steering wheel and centre of the seat with the option to extend to the whole of the headlining) reflect the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.
As an alternative to the standard leather/Alcantara, trim classic interiors are available in all Poltrona Frau leather, or in full-grain Pekary leather with a sporty and more refined look.

MASERATI’S FIGURES FOR 2007

In 2007 Maserati achieved revenues of € 694 million, growth of 33.7% compared to the previous year, thanks to the excellent performance of the Quattroporte Automatica and the new Maserati GranTurismo, launched in July.
Maserati’s operating profit was € 24 million (equal to 3.5% of revenues), a clear improvement (up by € 57 million) compared to the loss of € 33 million in 2006. Thanks to increased volumes and the ongoing cost cutting programme, Maserati achieved a positive result for the first time since it was acquired by Fiat in 1993.
2007 was also a year of important new developments and substantial figures for Maserati:
• a production record was set in October, when 850 vehicles left the Modena factory – equivalent to the annual production of just a few years ago;
• over 7300 (7353) cars were delivered to customers, 33.3% more than the previous year, thanks to a network of 272 dealers in 59 countries on all 5 continents;
• deliveries to the sales network increased 30.7%, amounting to 7,496 units.
The US market is Maserati’s largest, with over 2,600 vehicles delivered in 2007, 20.5% more than the preceding year; followed by Italy with 714 vehicles, a 40% increase compared to 2006. In third place was the United Kingdom (611), ahead of Germany and Japan. These markets were followed by Switzerland, France, China, the Arab Emirates and Australia.
Maserati Switzerland SA, based in Schlieren (Zurich), operates in Switzerland with a network of 11 showrooms and 9 dealers. A total of 344 vehicles were delivered to customers in 2007, an increase of 44% on the previous year. The area with the highest concentration of sales is Zurich.

Citroen C5 Tourer at Geneva 2008

2008-03-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

The collective yawn you may have heard around the world at 12:15pm Central European Time could possibly have been a reaction to the new Citroën C5. Released at the Geneva Motor Show, this new touring wagon has the large, popped out rear window of the C6, matched to the typically Citroën grille and headlights. Some reporters have likened it to the more traditional German wagons. Others compare it to the run-of-the-mill family trucksters we've seen again and again.

However, on the inside, we find some more refined touches. Weighty doors lead to a huge, comfortable interior, with good finishing touchs that makes the inhabitants confident in their surroundings. It is nice to be able to push the buttons on this car without thinking they are going to break off. Speaking of buttons, their are lots of them... everywhere. We like at least having the option to mess around with the multi-multi-function steering wheel and the SOS and hands-free phone buttons on the console, even if it means we must pull over to safely play with the toys.

This new large family car will be looking to compete with Citroën's rival French manufacturer, Renault. The third gen Renault Laguna has already been on the market since October, fighting with the Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra, and Volkswagen Passat.

A 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine pushes the C5 with 138 horsepower and 236 ft-lb of torque. Torque improves up to 251 ft-lb with the C5's overboost settings. 0-100 kph in 10.9 seconds off a six-speed manual is not too shabby considering the family-oriented purpose of this car. A V6 petrol engine and V6 turbodiesel will also be available, with the latter getting 208 hp, and a 0-100 time of 9.1 seconds.

With its newly given five-star crash rating for protection of adults inside the cabin, and a starting pricetag that is lower than much of its competition, the €20,500 Citroën C5 tourer could really shake up the European large family car segment.

Honda FCX Clarity and CR-Z Make European Debuts

2008-03-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Honda FCX Clarity and the CR-Z have already been presented in some autoshows, but this is their first time in European lands, and the Geneva Motor Show has been chosen for that. This fact has a simple explanation: since hybrids are more popular in the USA than in Europe, and Honda has preferred to test its fuel cell vehicles in its biggest market, as well as in its homeland, autoshows in the USA and Japan have had the privilege of seeing these vehicles first hand, but people from the Old World would surely like to have a look at them too. This is their chance.

The most interesting of them is surely the FCX Clarity, which will be sold (better saying, leased) in the USA by the middle of 2008 and in Japan in the last quarter of the year. Theoretically, this is the first fuel cell vehicle that can be sold as a regular car, and the extraordinary thing about it is that it does not look that extraordinary, apart from the fact it emits no pollutant gases at all. Only water. All functions, space and comfort to what consumers are already used to have been maintained. It weighs 1.680 kg and has 136 cv to push it, what allows the car to accelerate until 160 km/h. It is 4.84 m long, 1.85 m wide and 1.47 m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.80 m. The main concern about this sort of vehicle, autonomy, is pretty reasonable: 434 km. It’s fuel economy is also remarkable: it would be equivalent to running 30 km with a single litre of petrol. Unfortunately, very few people will have the right to lease it.

The CR-Z has a very interesting concept, the idea of putting performance and environmental peace of mind together. CR-Z stands for Concept Renaissance Zero. Zero would be for low emissions, although zero only suits fuel cell vehicles, such as the FCX Clarity. The fact is that the car will be have sporty looks, sporty behavior (according to Honda, which has not given out any technical specs) and will spend much less fuel than a similar-sized car.

Chevrolet Aveo 3-Door at Geneva

2008-03-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Back in New York, 2007, we had our eyes tickled into submission by three awesome looking concept cars from Chevrolet; Beat, Trax and Groove. One of them got voted best after a competition run by GM, and hopes ran high that this would be a possible future Aveo. Fast forward to 2008 Geneva and those hopes are dashed.

Nothing at all against the Aveo which has been brought out in Geneva today. The car is sexy enough for a smaller vehicle, and follows the debut of the 5-door in Frankfurt last year. An entry level 1.2-litre is on offer, putting out some 84 bhp/ 62kW, which is very good for that size. The 1.4-litre has been upgraded to101 bhp/ 75kW, also punching above class-average. The new Chevrolet Aveo3-door will hit most dealer floors in June.

Back to the triplets. The one way GM can make it up to us is to produce the winning design as a separate entity, otherwise what was the whole point of that entire exercise?

Press release:

The new three-door Chevrolet Aveo celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (March 6–16, 2008). With this debut, Chevrolet is consequently renewing its successful compact class family. The five-door version that premiered at the Frankfurt Show in September 2007 will go on sale in March. The most significant features of both models are their striking exterior, high-class interior and a new, even more efficient gasoline engine. Like its notchback stable mate, the new hatchback models will now bear the name Aveo throughout Europe. European dealers will have the dynamic three-door hatchback in their showrooms from June 2008.

Buyers will have a choice of two gasoline engines: a new 1.2-litre unit, now with two overhead camshafts and an output of 84 hp, and the upgraded 1.4-litre engine, which now develops 101 hp. The bigger unit is available with automatic transmission. Both engines are even more frugal than their predecessors when it comes to fuel consumption. For example, despite the fact that its performance has improved by 12 hp, the basic engine will now need roughly 14 per cent less fuel in the MVEG fuel efficiency comparison.

The Aveo is playing a key role in the success story of Chevrolet Europe: Over 440,000 cars of the compact-class family have been sold since 2002. With a 25 % share of the model mix (2007), it is also the biggest seller in the Chevy range.

Hyundai Unveils HED-5 'i-Mode' MPV Study at Geneva Show

2008-03-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

This Hyundai design study, the HED-5 'i-mode', is a testament to the fruits of co-operation. Partnering with innovators in technology, revolutionary seating concepts and pioneering lightweight materials, Hyundai are demonstrating in concept car form their drive to bring new technology faster to the market.

Stylish and unmistakably Hyundai, its hexagonal grille particular to the firm's European designs, the HED-5 'i-mode' concept car continues a design language which aims to signal coherence, increase recognition and improve brand perception. Forming the basis for a forthcoming six-seater production model MPV, the concept car acts as showcase to a range of technological innovations.

Making its world premiere on the 'i-mode' is a new 'Swivel Seat' design concept by Keiper, allowing the front passenger seat to swivel and face second and third row occupants, with the generation of a new social space by the rearward sliding of the second row. Commonly referred to as the living room, its occupants travel in comfort, the study's revolutionary seats upholstered in Cognac leather and lacquered in burgundy, surrounded by technology and the perception of space and light the car's near-panoramic two-tone roof structure provides.

Experts LG Electronics are at the helm of 'i-mode's digital entertainment. Wirelessly connected via the car's on-board network, cable-free keyboards, controllers and headphones integrate with integrated touch-screen displays to provide access to web, games, movies or video calling.

But it's not just technical innovations in the cabin that give the 'i-mode' its edge. Bayer MaterialScience, pioneers in material development, have integrated lightweight, more durable metal and glass substitutes with a tougher, lighter body construction, and in doing so enabled both a swifter development cycle for the study and improved efficiency in fuel consumption and emissions.

The 'i-mode' is powered by an all-new 2.2-litre R diesel unit with two-stage turbocharging, forcing air through both a low and high-pressure turbocharger to generate 215 PS and 461 Nm of torque. Highlighting the advantages of two-stage charging, low-end torque increases from 186 to 294 Nm over the standard R unit.The two-stage turbocharged R unit will enter the market in 2011 following the entry of its single turbocharged sibling in 2009.

Hyundai Unveils Trio of i-blue Advanced Eco-Dynamic Vehicles

2008-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

They may not stir the blood like a Veyron or a Scirocco, but this humble range of concept cars is nonetheless big news for Hyundai. The Korean manufacturer unveiled a trip of i-blue concept vehicles in Geneva whose powertrains combine existing technology with a new engine that could potentially allow mass-production of some very eco-friendly vehicles in the near future.

Based on Hyundai's i10 and i30 production cars, the i-blue concepts are designed to offer significant improvements in emissions and fuel efficiency. The changes are outwardly subtle; engine efficiency is boosted with an intelligent generator that stops and starts the engine, lowered suspensions improve aerodynamics, and tall-geared six-speed transmissions reduce high-speed consumption. New common-rail diesel engines have been tuned for minimum CO2 output.

The i30 blue is the largest of the three concepts, and features a new 1.6 liter diesel. Power is set at 90PS, and emissions have been reduced by 15.2%. The smaller i10 gets a 1.1 liter, 75PS engine whose i-blue modifications drop emissions by 17%. The i10 blue CNG uses a .8 liter three-cylinder turbo running on CNG to produce 98PS and the lowest CO2 emissions of the group.

Hyundai's i-blue vehicles are a clear indicator of where the company intends to go when improving the environmental friendliness of its products, though it says that with sufficient consumer interest any of the vehicles shown at Geneva could be put into production as-is.

Tata Nano shown in Europe

2008-03-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

When it was first shown to the world, back in January, the Tata Nano was criticized by some as being an unsafe, pollutant and toy-like vehicle, but many more, even in Europe, will see in this car the opportunity to move from one place to another with much more comfort and safety than they had before the car made it into the real world. Maybe this is why Tata has decided to present the cheapest car of the world in this edition of the Geneva Motor Show. Anyway, the car will not be on sale in Europe. At least not yet.

The fact is that Nano is much safer and cleaner than its critics would like to believe. According to Tata, its all-aluminium engine, with two cylinders and 623 cm³ delivering 33 cv, is Euro-4 compliant and the car respects all safety rules for crashes that currently manage the European market, but, since Euro-5 will soon enter the scene and crash rules may get stricter, it would make no sense selling the car for just a while. Therefore, the company has decided to offer it in Europe only from 2012 on, when its second generation is predicted to appear.

There is another problem which, if confessed by Tata, would make other carmakers envy it: initial production plans, for 250,000 units, may not be enough to fulfill the high demand this car will have in India and in other emerging markets, where people have to make plans to buy a motorcycle. Meanwhile, the Indian automaker will only allow other markets to have a taste of the car. And, even if it is not very nice for everyone, at € 1,700 anything may sound, at least, worth trying.

Audi A4 Avant Debuts in Geneva

2008-03-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Following the official announcement of the Audi A4 Avant less than one month ago, the estate version of Audi's best selling mid-sized sedan has made its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. With already 33,000 customers waiting for their cars, the all-new A4 range has sold well as it battles head-to-head with Mercedes' recently launched C-class.

The Avant has grown a startling 12 cm from its predecessor (to 470 cm), boosting a spacious luggage compartment of 490 liters. But thanks to its lightweight steel body the A4 has shed roughly 10% of its weight and weighs 1,470 kg (3,240 lbs). As the A4 Avant goes on sale in the spring in Germany and other European markets, the engine selection will be the following:

Petrol engines

160 hp 1.8-liter TSI - 250 Nm
- 8.9 s. acceleration (0 - 100 km/h) - 218 km/h
- 7.2 liters / 100 km (32.67 mpg)
265 hp 3.2-liter V6 - 330 Nm
- 6.4 s. acceleration - 250 km/h
- 9.1 liters / 100 km (25.85 mpg)*

Diesel engines

143 hp 2.0-liter TDI - 320 Nm
- 9.7 s. acceleration - 208 km/h
- 5.7 liters / 100 km (41.27 mpg)
170 hp 2.0-liter TDI - 350 Nm
- 8.6 s. acceleration - 224 km/h
- 5.8 liters / 100 km (40.55 mpg)
265 hp 3.0-liter TDI - 500 Nm
- 6.3 s. acceleration - 250 km/h
- 7.1 liters / 100 km (33.13 mpg)*

* = quattro

The entry-level 120 hp 1.8-litre TFSI will be available in the fall and retail at 27,550 euros. The must have option on this car is the "xenon plus" head light system, which includes the already famous LED daytime running lights, consisting of 14 white dots. Stay tuned for our pics from the Geneva Motor Show.

KTM X-Bow Dallara in Geneva: 100 Units Only

2008-03-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Extreme cars, like the Lotus Seven and more recently the Ariel Atom, have always made history in what relates to dynamics and driving pleasure. KTM, a traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, has decided last year to write its own name in this book with the X-Bow, its first adventure in the world of four wheels. And what an adventure it has proven to be with the official presentation of the first X-Bow ready for production, the special series Dallara.

Named after the Italian racing car specialist, the Dallara series will have only 100 units made in order to start production in great style. Not that the car needs this sort of thing, but any help for a beginner is always welcome. And what a beginner this little Austrian machine is: only 750 kg, a 2-litre TFSI engine made by Audi, delivering 240 cv and 310 Nm, a competition-tuned chassis (with the option of a motor racing chassis, that offers highly adjustable suspension) and the amazing looks that come along with it.

This profile allows the car to reach 100 km/h from 0 in 3.9 s. Fuel consumption, nonetheless, is only 13.3 km/l. This proves high performance cars that want to be environmentally friendly do not necessarily have to use hybrid technology. They only must lose weight! In X-Bow’s case, that weight includes the roof, the windshield and all sorts of comfort devices, such as air-conditioning (why for, in a roofless vehicle?) and radio, CD player or any other entertainment device. For the owner of such a car, music is the engine’s noise.

The Dallara special series brings bodywork, aerodynamic parts and wheel mudguards in carbon, instead of plastic, quick release/locking device for the wheels, removable steering wheel, adjustable suspension, mechanical limited slip differential and a metal plaque with the serial number of the car in the interior. Almost needless to say, all 100 units have already been sold, what leaves anyone in love with the car only two choices: wait until someone sells its X-Bow Dallara or buy a “regular” X-Bow. Production starts in the middle of the year in Graz, Austria, and will reach 500 units in 2008. In the following years, it is expected to top 1,000 units annually, considering demand does not make it necessary to increase production.

Mini John Cooper Works and Clubman in Geneva

2008-03-30T12:14:00.001-07:00

It is funny to see what happens to a successful car. When a vehicle hits the jackpot and becomes a reference in something, most competitors try to challenge it in many ways. This is what has occurred with the revived Mini, which has, since its presentation, been the target of all other brands. Whenever a small and trendy car is presented to the public, it is natural to call it a “Mini killer”. Well, as you all already know, Mini competitors will have to rethink their strategies pretty fast. Yesterday the brand introduced the John Cooper Works for Mini and Clubman at the Geneva Motor Show.

Besides all the aesthetical changes, both cars have received a 211 cv version of their 1.6-litre turbo engine. It allows the Mini and the Clubman to have a top speed of 238 km/h and to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h respectively in 6.5 s and 6.8 s.

This would be enough to put the Mini kilometers away from all other small and nostalgic cars, but John Cooper’s signature helps the car be even more extraordinary. Even someone that is not very used to cars will perceive this vehicle is not only about the engine. It is about handling. The suspension is 10 mm lower, the EPAS steering system allows a sportier setting to be programmed at the press of a button and brakes are stronger, with nice 17-inch alloy wheels to allow a better view of discs and calipers.

The Mini John Cooper Works will cost € 27,700 and the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman will be sold by € 29,500, both prices valid for Germany. Other countries pricing is yet to be defined.

Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet At Geneva

2008-03-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ford used the Geneva Auto Show to showcase their redesigned Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, which features numerous enhancements over its predecessor.

Equipped with a Pininfarina retractable hardtop, the new model now offers best in class luggage volume. Using the same stylish front end as the Focus sedan, the convertible attempts to offer high emotional appeal combined with daily driver usability. A host of new options will be offered such as keyless start, a tire deflation detection system, improved audio systems which support Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and multiple navigation systems. The first navigation system uses SD cards which helps to keep the option affordable, the second system is a more traditional DVD based unit which features a 7-inch color touchscreen.

Powering the new Focus CC are a host of engines including a 1.6L with 100PS (74 kW), a 2.0L with 145 PS (107 kW), and a 2.0L diesel with 136 PS (100 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. A sport package with a retuned suspension, special 17” alloy wheels, and tinted headlights will be offered.

Press release:

The new four-seater Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet will have its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The new model joins the three-door, four-door, five-door, wagon and sporty ST models, extending the comprehensive new Focus range and offering the greatest variety of bodystyles for a single vehicle line within the Ford of Europe portfolio. As a final addition to the exciting and fully comprehensive Focus range, the all-new Ford Focus RS high performance model will be launched in 2009.

The newly designed Focus Coupé-Cabriolet with its retractable hardtop will once again be manufactured at the Bairo plant of Pininfarina, Ford's partner in designing, engineering and building the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet. This stylish vehicle is a true four-seater that combines a high emotional appeal with "must have" means for everyday use: With the roof closed, new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534 litres. Even with the retractable hardtop stowed in the boot, the new Ford provides a voluminous 248 litres of luggage space under the folded roof.

"As with the generic new Ford Focus, with the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet we also felt the importance of aligning this charismatic vehicle with our 'kinetic design' language as soon as possible," said Stephen Odell, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe.

'Kinetic Design' Styling
"The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is a special blend: We felt that the new very 'kinetic' front end design will perfectly complement the timelessly-elegant, Italian flavoured profile and rear end design. The result is a perfect mix of latest level Focus dynamics and the special Coupé-Cabriolet design execution that we had already developed jointly with Pininfarina," said Chris Bird, Design Director at Ford of Europe.

The entire front end design of the new Ford Focus was fully adopted for the Coupé-Cabriolet: The new three-dimensional bonnet design flows harmoniously into the iconic dual-trapezoidal-grille design, with both the upper and lower grille being equipped with a classy chrome surrounding. The front bumper, lights and front fender designs clearly reflect the latest dynamic Focus styling, but are also tailored to perfectly fit the elegant side view of the Coupé-Cabriolet.

The interior styling of the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet also received a fresh approach with bold design statements, high quality finishes and hard-wearing materials all completed with a high level of craftsmanship. Most prominent for the driver is a new instrument cluster of a 'binocular' style with instruments illuminated in red.

As with the new Focus, the Coupé-Cabriolet also benefits from the flow through centre stack to the standard 'premium' centre console with an increased stowage volume of approximately 4 litres and a sliding armrest with a travel of 80 mm, both contributing to increased comfort and convenience.

New Technology
A number of new standard driver assistance features have been introduced on all new Focus models with further technology options, and will also be introduced to the Coupé-Cabriolet.

These features include:

Available 'Ford Power' button for keyless start, plus keyless entry system
Standard emergency hazard warning light activation system (Info: except Finland and Sweden)
New optional Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
New audio connectivity module for external devices and new levels of Bluetooth ® and USB connectivity, voice control and navigation systems
New navigation systems include an affordable navigation option with 'SD' card slot as well as a DVD based system with 7" colour touchscreen
Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner on Sony radio system available
Powertrains and Series
A fine range of Duratec petrol and Duratorq diesel engines was chosen for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet: While the 1.6-litre 100 PS/74 kW Duratec petrol is the entry level into the Focus 'wind-in-the-hair' experience, the well acclaimed 2.0-litre 145 PS/107 kW Duratec HE engine is available with a choice of a sporty 5-speed manual transmission or the very comfortable FN automatic transmission for relaxed cruising joy.

The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine has 136 PS (100 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. To make driving with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine even more refined and comfortable, specific improvements have been made to its Sound quality and vibration behaviour. This engine – along with all other Ford Focus petrol and diesel engines – benefits from a new insulated, weight reduced cowl panel, for optimum acoustics and a new carpet with a modified heavy duty coating for further sound deadening.

In terms of the series availability, the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is once again available with a well equipped entry 'Trend' specification, which can also be ordered in conjunction with a special 'Sport' pack, covering a sport suspension and specially designed 17"-alloy wheels. Black tinted headlamp housings on the exterior emphasise the sporty appearance of this series.

The top-of-the-range 'Titanium' series also features exterior details like specially designed 17"-alloys and the black headlamp housings, but also classy interior items like the standard partial leather seats. As an option, full leather seats in three different designs are available.

High Safety Standards
A very stiff body shell construction and a precise suspension and steering tuning are the active and solid base for the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's safety package. As a part of Ford PrecisionDrive, it helps drivers to intuitively rely on their Ford car in any driving situation. In addition to this very convincing package, ESP has now been introduced to be standard in all European major markets, and compliments the very capable four-disc braking system with EBA.

Also the passive safety starts with an ultra stiff body shell and a rigid passenger safety cell. Without a regular sedan roof structure however, front crash load paths for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet had to be redistributed behind the A-pillars into the door structure.

As a result, these load paths were significantly reinforced by using high strength HSS 2 steel and increasing the rocker height by 35mm. The load path through the door structure can carry loads up to seven tons – comparable with the cumulated load capability of a Focus 4-door at the roof and door structures.

In addition to standard front and side airbags, Ford's new Rollover Protection Device (RPD) system plays a vital role in increasing Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's passive safety performance. RPD is designed to help protect passengers in the unlikely event that the vehicle rolls over. Electronic sensors and a gyroscope are at the heart of the system, and can detect an impending rollover. When this happens, two ultra-strong safety roll bars "fire" into position within a tenth of a second. Combined with the reinforced A-pillars and the highly rigid front window frame, RPD is a reassuring device that provides valuable extra protection for occupants.

Bentley GTZ Zagato Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show

2008-03-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

In times where mass-production cars are considered to be the only alternative to future of the automobile, Italian carrozieri keep teaching us all a little more on elegance and style. Although not all lessons are worth paying attention to, such as the family struggle that may kill Bertone, there are some that are worth waiting for. This is the case with Zagatos last creation, the Bentley GTZ .

Based on the Bentley Continental GT Speed, the GTZ will very likely be produced in limited series, although neither Zagato nor Bentley have disclosed the details. In fact, this limited-production run can only be supposed by one of the last sentences in the press release below, which mentions that the cars attributes will make it be a special limited-production model. So be it, and be it quick!

As Zagato usually does it, changes are subtle and, at the same time, deeply strong. Just check out the GTZ front fascia, which reminds the Bugatti Veyrons. It may not be well known to the public, but Bugatti dealers are usually associated with Bentley because the British automaker is a higher volume manufacturer, according to what a Bugatti representative has once told us. Far from inappropriate, the new grille has its reasons.

Apart from the front end, the rear is really what makes this special Bentley deserve the Z in the end of its name. It begins with the typically Zagato roof top, which seems to reserve a space for the driver and another one to the passenger, with a little depression that suggests both territories inside the car. The taillights are really gorgeous and still define a Bentley, but leave no doubts this car has been touched by Italian masters. If only each and every car in the world would have that luck

Press release:

Geneva, March 2008: At the 78th Geneva International Motor show 2008, Zagato Atelier takes great pleasure in introducing the Bentley GTZ, the latest in a long line of collaborations with the very best British car manufacturers over the Milanese Atelier ’s 89 years history.

Following on from the recent presentations of the Ferrari 575GTZ in 2006 and the Maserati GS Zagato at the Villa D’Este in 2007, the Bentley GTZ is a neo-classic Zagato interpretation of the style of a British GT.

The project was conceived during a discussion between Dr. Ing. Franz Josef Paefgen, CEO of Bentley Motors Limited and Dr. Andrea Zagato, President of Zagato at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in 2006. At a ‘Tribute to Zagato’ presentation, Zagato showed a selection of 50’ 60’s models, near by the recent berlinettas presented during the last 3 years. Dr. Paefgen was struck by the beauty of those cars and reminded of the historical significance of the art of the Carrozzeria (coachbuilders) which was both being maintained and carried forward by Zagato.

Starting from the styling cues of the last neo classical coupes, which became milestones of Zagato design in the new millennium, the challenge was to apply the same design language to a completely different proportion of vehicle: the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Even with many technical restrictions and carry-over parts in order to maintain the basic functions of this extremely sophisticated vehicle, the Zagato design team managed to give a distinctive and attractive character to the Zagato coupe.

Pronounced fender lines, double-bubble roof, round tail with all new rear combination lamp are harmoniously integrated in to an imposing body adding a more aggressive and sharp feeling without losing the absolute solidity which is part of the great charm of the original coupe. The same time the hand painted pin-stripe coordinated with the interior colour adds a refined and exclusive elegance to the extrovert body lines helps to make the look of this car appropriate to be special limited-production model born between two great automotive cultures: Bentley and Zagato.

Rolls Royce Phantom at Geneva 08

2008-03-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Until recently the world’s elite only had one choice when it came to ultra-luxury coupes, the Bentley Continental GT. Rolls-Royce is planning to change that with the introduction of their Phantom Coupe at the Geneva Auto Show.

Previewed by the 101EX concept, the new coupe shares the wheelbase and design of the Phantom Drophead Coupe. Power is delivered by a BMW built 6.75 liter V12 engine which produces 453 hp and 720 Nm of torque. A strong single piece roof unit allows for the deletion of unsightly B-pillars, while the use of lightweight components and an aluminum chassis combine to provide a lively driving experience.

The interior is virtually identical to the convertible with the exception of rear boot space, which is now 395 liters. Carrying over from the 101EX concept are the simulated “star lights” which are mounted to the vehicle’s ceiling.

The $400,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe will go into production this summer.

Koenigsegg Edition CCX and CCXR limited edition

2008-03-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Koenigsegg owners must be the most sadistic bunch out there. Why? Because they have put Koenigsegg through making these two special edition CCX and CCXR models by sheer demand. What a painful experience it must have been for the Swedes to create these twins to the specs that they boast.

Both feature carbon wheels, amplifiers, Satnav or Bluetooth, a rearview camera for those of us whose parking skills go as far as our pinky fingers, and matched carpets. Don’t skip to the end yet, the specs are on their way; I’m just trying to work my way towards them, just to make sure I’m not seeing things here.

Right. The carbon fiber body compliments the wide wing design and lowered chassis. So special are these cars that only 14 of the CCX are being made available, while the CCXR will be as scarce as an honest politician.

We move on from the gravy and on to the meat. CCX would be the base model, as base as you can get in so far as Koenigsegg is concerned. The same 4.8-litre V8 of cast aluminium origin is employed for heavy wheel-spin duty on both cars. Accompanying it are two superchargers that blow harder than Little Red Riding Hood’s proverbial wolf, forcing 888 bhp/ 662kW and some 920Nm of torque to the wheels. Zero – 100km/h is dispatched in two blinks of an eye, at 2.9 seconds, running out of speed shortly after 400km/h.

Big brother CCXR is a notch up, offering only 6 examples in the entire universe. Those 6 lucky customers, one of who can collect at the Geneva Motor Show where the cars are to be parked, will each drive away with 1018 bhp/ 759kW, 1060Nm of Eiffel Tower-pulling torque. They also collect a free driving course, though some need it more than others. Sprint times are 0 – 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, top speed reaches 417km/h. As a WCF fanatic you’ve probably heard of another hyper production car that did 407km/h on TV a while ago…

Toyota Urban Cruiser at Geneva 2008

2008-03-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Urban Cruiser by Toyota is now officially being launched in Europe after getting a warm welcome at the Geneva Motor Show earlier today. The compact SUV falls below RAV-4 which has grown in all directions from what it used to be when it was first launched in 1994.

To be sold as an urban “everywhere” small SUV, Urban Cruiser features 4x4 drivetrains, a five-door entry point and room enough for five, with luggage. You’d probably never think it from its dimensions. Toyota is a known responsible corporate citizen, and is therefore just as concerned about reducing emissions as everyone else in the motor game. Urban Cruiser is expected to register 140g/km in emissions while helping Toyota achieve this average by next year.

Lexus LF-A Roadster European Debut in Geneva

2008-03-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

At Lexus, 'F' is their exclusive designation for high performance. Not that a fiery red advanced lightweight supercar, aggressive in stature and design, bore any clues in itself. The LF-A Roadster concept makes its European debut at Geneva this week, presenting showgoers with a re-interpretation in drop-top guise of the LF-A Coupe concept.

The F-Sports programme overhauls numerous technological components including powertrain, suspension and braking system to produce a concept car every bit as refined as it is exclusive. The result: a highly-polished driver-oriented vehicle highly capable in performance and handling precision.

Its design can be largely attributed to Lexus' L-Finesse philosophy and to the engineering requirements of a refined, lightweight performance vehicle. Based on the lightweight construction of the coupe, the roadster retains rigidity and structure strength by utilising lightweight but durable aluminium and carbon-fibre panels.

A low-profile stance and short overhangs contribute to an aggressive persona and also improve aerodynamic flows, while modified versions of the coupe concept's front and side profile air intakes, the latter based on single-seat racing cars, aid cooling. Large cooling duct grilles stylise the rear which incorporates a re-interpretation of the coupe's 'arrowhead' design.

Under the bonnet, a lightweight V10 unit, placed in what engineers call a 'front-mid' configuration, delivers 500 hp from less than 5.0-litres capacity and propels the LF-A Roadster to speeds in excess of 200 mph. Off-the-line sprints are as yet unpublished.

Maximising cabin space, functionality and further reducing weight, numerous components have been refined and condensed. Therefore inside, where exclusivity is key, a driver-focused environment reinforces space via a low-level console and support via sports seats and deep footwells. Stylish and exclusive touches include an F-Sports steering wheel, floor hinged alloy pedals and a unique instrument cluster.

Subaru G4e Concept Makes Euro Debut at Geneva

2008-03-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Subaru is not just about fast turbo boxer engines; the brand is also headed for the green revolution with this Concept G4e which is a small eco-car. Subaru says it is equipped with zero-emission high technology, the latter two words which we probably never thought we’d read from any Subaru material. Nevertheless, the saying goes that it’s never too late.

G4e Concept debuted in Tokyo in 2007 and set out to turn electric cars into cool accessories for the younger set, also known as Generation i. At the same time space has not been compromised as the G4e Concept can still accommodate five. Subaru was clever this way as they designed it to store the lithium-ion batteries under the floor. A range of 200km is estimated between battery charges, and these take up to 8 hours through the average home electricity system.

Fiat 500 Abarth World Debut at Geneva Motor Show

2008-03-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

As you already know, Mini has exceed all its competitors efforts to produce a trendy and fast machine with John Cooper Works versions of Mini and Clubman. Fiat must have been really frustrated to see that the limelights it expected to have on its Abarth version of the 500 were driven in another direction. Nevertheless, the small Italian car will have its place on the market and many will think of it as an exciting little car, with its 135 cv engine.

No surprises were left for the official presentation of the car in Geneva. It was exactly as previous press releases stated it was: powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol turbo engine that delivers, besides the 135 cv, a peak torque of 206 Nm and very mean appearance that simply asks for more horsepowers, with huge wheel arches to house equally big wheels and low tires, wider air intakes, a rear air diffuser, double exhaust pipes, red caps for the external rear mirrors and dozens of Abarth badges all over the car.

Although Fiat could have given us more on this Abarth version, there will be an Abarth SS model of the 500, which is expected to have 180 cv (at least). Lets hope to get all of them.

BMW to Debut 5 Series Lifestyle, Exclusive and Sport Editions at Geneva

2008-03-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hoping to inject a dose of high class into the already sporty and respectable 5 Series, BMW plans to introduce three special-edition lineups of the sedan and wagon at Geneva. The Sport, Exclusive and Lifestyle editions are designed to appeal to the various portions of the 5 Series' widely varied customer base. Each is distinguished by unique paint colors and trim.

The Exclusive edition is set apart by its Platinum Bronze Metallic paint and additional chrome on the body. 17-inch alloy wheels and a wood-trimmed interior establish the Exclusive edition as the luxury car of the family. The Lifestyle edition is designed to appeal to more active 5 Series owners, with satin-finish chrome and a lighter interior featuring a leather and Reflex cloth interior. The Lifestyle's unique color is Neptune Blue. For the gearheads, the Sport edition gets BMW's signature racing colors--Imola Red or Le Mans Blue--as well as 18-inch M alloys, a body kit and an M sport suspension.

Naturally, the 5 Series' fantastic driving dynamics haven't been touched, and we've heard of no plans for exclusive powertrain changes to any of the special editions. The additions to the lineup will make it easier for 5 Series owners to tailor a car to specific desires straight from the factory.

Fiat Fiorino MPV heading for Geneva Motor Show

2008-03-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

There will soon be two Fiat Fiorino in the world. The first one, still on sale on the Brazilian market (at R$ 35,480, the equivalent to 13,903), derives from the Fiat Uno (yes, that one from the 1980s, also still on sale in Brazil, and selling a lot). It is the white one on the gallery at the right. The second one is this green vehicle, a modern people mover that will be previewed at the Geneva Motor Show.

This is not the first public appearance of the 3.96 m long MPV. It has been first seen by the public in the Bologna Motor Show, last November, and Fiat them has stated the car was 3.86 m long Or the vehicle has grown 10 cm in a short period of time, or the MPV version is really 10 cm larger (in Bologna, the only version presented was the van), or the first press release about the car was wrong. We will find it out and tell you later. Fiorino is for sale in Italy since December 2007 and its base price it 9,100 in Italy. Cheaper than its same-name Brazilian relative

At the Geneva Motor Show, people who have not seen the Fiorino so far will have the chance to meet the little green creature, which happens to be smaller than its Uno predecessor (with the same name, but 4,18 m long), and know that it will have two engine options, a 1.3-litre 16V Multijet diesel, delivering 75 cv, and the 1.4-litre Fire petrol engine, which generates 75 cv. The Brazilian Fiorino uses a 1.3-litre Fire engine that generates 71 cv with ethanol and 70 cv with petrol, what may make people believe it is more fuel efficient than the European version. Brazilian people would rather not have that advantage and get the fresh Fiorino instead, for sure.

Fiorino is the Fiat model for the Citroën Nemo and the Peugeot Bipper. Produced in partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroën, the vehicle comes in three versions: base, SX and Adventure. This last one has a 2 cm heightened suspension to deal with bad terrain conditions, especially useful in emerging markets and only aesthetically appealing for Europe. In Brazil, it would more likely be a replacement for the ageing Doblò than for the other Fiorino.

Alfa GT Blackline III 1.9 JTDM ready for Geneva

2008-03-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Alfa Romeo’s new GT Blackline III is interested in making new friends where activities such as great handling and fuel economy are not enemies. In addition, Alfa hopes those with a sense of style as well, will appreciate its new creation which will be on the frontlines at Geneva when Alfa drops the curtain near their stand. The GT has always had the “wow” factor, even in standard form, but this one takes it to the next level with visible changes all round.

Powered by an oil-burner of some 1.9-litre, badged JTDM, the model delivers a good 125kW and torque numbers counting some 330Nm. Blackline III has a sportier interior than normal, with aluminium on the pedals, some black tones to fit the name etc. New too is the Q2 system which uses the Torsen self-locking method to offer a better drive handling-experience on pretty much any type of road, while at the same time maximising the advantages of front-wheel-drive. Coupled with the Sport button it makes for an outstanding drive.

Lancia Delta Officially Revealed

2008-03-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Over two weeks ago Lancia released several official images of the upcoming Delta, with a short press release. Today, Lancia decided to reveal more with an 'extended' press release that covers almost everything you need to know about the hot hatch.

The Delta is 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, 1.5 metres high, and has a wheelbase of 2.7 metres that allows for plentiful interior space. The exterior appears very contemporary, particularly with the front nose that is exceptionally aggressive.

At launch, buyers can select between the 120 hp 1.4 litre and 150 hp TurboJet petrol engines, or the 1.6 litre 120 hp MultiJet turbodiesel engine. The engines are mated with a 6-speed manual, robotized, or automatic gearbox. More engines will be added in the future, including the 2.0 litre 165 hp MultiJet, 1.9 litre 190 hp Twinturbo MultiJet, and the all new 1.8 litre 200 hp Di Turbojet (petrol).

The car is highly customisable in respect of exterior and interior looks. Other features include climate control, Blaukpunt radio, Hi-fiBose® sound system (optional), CD and MP3 player, and a new satellite navigation system.

Renault Geneva Lineup - Including New concept and Laguna GT

2008-03-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Carlos Ghosn will be a busy man at Geneva. You’ll spot him easily, he’ll be the guy in the suit with the sweaty brow sprinting in-between the Renault, Dacia, Infiniti and Nissan stands.

He will be spending a considerable amount of time at the Renault stand though as Renault are preparing to release 4 new models at the show. There will also be an announcement regarding the future of its value brand, Dacia.

Initial details of the Twingo RS and the Koleos have been released recently. The Twingo will sport a 133bhp 1.6L engine in its compact little body which should firmly plant it in “pocket rocket” territory. Could this be the spiritual successor to the original Clio 16V?

The Koleos is Renault’s first proper crossover SUV. It shares much with its Nissan X-Trail cousin under the skin so expect similar powertrains and reasonable off road ability.

The start of the show could be the new Laguna GT with Renaultsport honed 4 wheel steer, further details of this vehicle will be available on Friday the 22nd of February.

The fourth vehicle is likely to be a concept car but news on this vehicle is scarce. Renault concept vehicles are usually striking though, so expect a show stopper for Geneva.

Fiat 500 Aria Concept Debuts in Geneva

2008-03-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

The accolades gushed on Fiat for its new Fiat 500 are about to get gushier, when the company unveils the Fiat 500 Aria Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. This new concept is supposed to be even more environmentally friendly than the car it is based on, with a few innovations that might actually make it to the showroom.

Already with fitted with only Euro5 approved engines, the new concept has an engine producing less than a 100 g/km record value of CO2 emissions. This improvement is thanks to the 1.3 liter, 16valve multijet diesel engine fitted with an anti-particulate filter, and robotic Dualogic shift. The engine can be temporarily shut down in start-and-stop traffic, which also helps to reduce urban fuel consumption by 10%.

More conceptual engineering can be seen on the inside, where the interior of the prototype is mainly crafted from recycled material. Rubber from used tires makes up the floor, Matamata recycled leather lines the seats, with ecologically-friendly production methods used to make the polyester fabric inside.

Some neat ideas here, but we're waiting for an aluminum body made from used Coke cans.

2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio ready for Geneva

2008-03-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Portfolio series of special edition XKR Jaguars build on an already beautiful car. The 2009MY XKR Portfolio replaces the highly successful 2007 MY car and will be shown for the first time at the 2008 Geneva show in March.

The XKR Portfolio is equipped with the standard XKR’s all aluminium body construction, supercharged 4.2 Litre V8 engine and ZF 6 speed automatic transmission. The Portfolio aims to subtly enhance this package with some refined additions, the most striking of which are the 20 inch Selena alloy wheels. Other exterior changes are the milled aluminium “power vents”, Portfolio boot lid signature badge and striking 6 pot front and 4 pot rear braking callipers coloured in red. The vehicle is finished off in an exclusive “Shadow Grey” metallic paint colour, and if you choose the convertible, either black or grey hoods.

Interior upgrades abound. No Jaguar would be complete without some soft hide covered 16-way electrically adjustable seats. The leather can be optioned with Cranberry twin needle stitching or Ivory with Slate twin needle stitching. The unique Bower & Wilkins surround sound system is specifically designed for the XK’s interior acoustics. An alloy and leather gear selector and alloy gate surround completes the sumptuous interior. Read on for more details.

Peugeot 308 SW

2008-03-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Only a few months after the launch of the new 308 hatchback, Peugeot’s SW version is ready to roll. The concept of the 308 SW was previewed at last years Frankfurt motor show and the finished vehicle is very similar in appearance. The design is in Peugeots own words, a “Semi Tall Architecture” vehicle platform. In English we can take this to be a vehicle that is designed to fall somewhere in between a conventional MPV and a normal saloon/hatchback in stature.

Showing plenty of the Gallic flair that Peugeot are renowned for, the design is said to appeal to those who were bored with the conventional format of a hatchback but didn’t want to upgrade to an ungainly sized MPV. Car manufacturers certainly cross segment boundaries now with car designs and the 308 SW certainly appeals to those that require practicality with a touch of design flair.

The 308 SW can be equipped with seven seats. Judging by the interior images, it would seem many hours of pleasure/frustration can me had folding and flipping the seats into a multitude of combinations.

Five petrol engines ranging from 95 to 175 bhp are available but the big seller in Europe will be the diesel engine options, of which there are three. The diesel engines range from 90 bhp to 136 bhp, two of which are fitted with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter. 5 speed manual, 6 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearboxes can be optioned depending on which engine you choose.

2009 Jaguar XJ Portfolio To Debut At Geneva

2008-03-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Jaguar will launch their new 2009 XJ Portfolio at Geneva early next month, and the four-door should get luxury car lovers salivating just a bit. Like its XJR Portfolio legacy the saloon has all the features you would expect on a car in this class.

The XJ Portfolio comes with a 4.2 liter normally-aspirated V8, but you can up the ante and tack-on the optional supercharger. This boosts power to 400 horsepower, while the Dynamic Stability Control, Computer Active Technology Suspension, and "self-leveling air suspension" systems will keep the cabin nice and cozy no matter how fast you hit that pothole near the entrance to the yacht club.

Aluminum construction makes this car lighter and more durable. Owners can have the car painted in Celestial Black or Astral Gold, but with 20-inch Selena alloys, milled aluminum side vents, and chrome side mirrors, the Gold tone might make your car look more fitting around Mr. T's neck than on the road.

Inside, you can have the car decked out in either a Navy interior with champagne piping, or an Ivory interior with navy piping. Navy carpets come standard either way. Oak veneer helps give the interior some definition, heated-and-cooled seats and a dual-zone climate control system keep the passengers cozy, and a premium sound system lets you blast Bach louder than an orchestra.

The 2009 Jaguar XJ Portfolio is currently available for order, a full two weeks ahead of its formal debut.

Geneva Debut for Fiat 500 Abarth

2008-03-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Fiat 500 was indeed a hit in the compact car segment, to the extent of receiving several “Car of the Year” awards last year. This unquestionably had driven Fiat to go ahead with the development of a more powerful version of this retro compact, calling it Fiat Abarth, marking the come-back of its well-known Abarth tuning division.

This sportier compact is set to challenge the Mini Cooper S, although we know close to nothing on its details for now. A few days ago Fiat had sent out emails to its registered fans notifying them to be prepared for a surprise this coming 18th and 19th February, together with a link which leads to the Abarth’s homepage. Nothing much could be seen on the page, other than some plain sketches on the car and controls to play with. No technical details are up, although speculations claim that it will come with the 180bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine found in its big brother 'Grande Punto'.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Revealed Ahead of Geneva

2008-03-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Rolls-Royce are to introduce their first coupe model for over a decade at Geneva next month. The Phantom Coupe is a new, more dynamic driver-orientated Phantom model that continues to exude its sedan couterpart's levels of comfort while offering new modifications for a more concise package.

Drawing largely on the design of its drop-top Drophead Coupe sibling and 101EX concept car forerunner, the new Coupe brings high-end technology to a design timeless in its execution. In common with the sedan, the new model has the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12 unit, producing 453 hp and 720 Nm of torque. But extraordinarily, a 25 percent increase in fuel capacity has been achieved over the Drophead, turning a long-legged cruiser to one of 'transcontinental' proportion.

Dynamism is of considerable importance on the new Phantom Coupe, the brand insisting the Phantom's dynamic drive 'is taken one step further'. Improved ride comfort and handling is achieved by way of an advanced alluminium chassis and new lightweight components, while the strong alloy and single-span roof without B-pillar re-inforces safety credentials to produce the 'most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever'.

Transferring from concept to production is that of the brushed steel finish as seen on both 100EX and 101EX concept vehicles. Bonnet and A-pillars are now available in this finish on the new Coupe, while the lower tailgate doubles up as a seating platform for two when lowered. Boot space is up by 80 litres to 395 over the Drophead.

"The Coupé has been designed and engineered to be the most dynamic interpretation of our values," says Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson. "Our 2007 sales figures illustrate how successful the entire model range has been with an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year."

Webasto's Innovative Car Roofs Hit Geneva

2008-03-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

If you can’t stand the heat, as the saying goes, leave the kitchen. In this case, better call Webasto. Possibly what some might label a very boring company – let’s face it, car roofs and air conditioning systems aren’t exactly fire under our bellies – yet Webasto is the leader in roof mechanisms for some of the world’s most stylish convertibles. They are behind MINI’s innovative convertible roof, as well as VW’s quiet 5-piece Eos hard-top, with all those complex hydraulic systems.

Come Geneva Motor Show 2008, Webasto will be under the spotlight, so to speak, as the unveil their newest products, the Webasto LigHT Concept, which is an innovative roof concept featuring a hybrid top with a new material mix. This will be shown on a roadster design study for demo purposes. Then there is the Liquid Heat Generator, a new heat-generating auxiliary system. Remember that Webasto developed the solar sunroof that runs a blower located inside the car to cool it when the engine is off while it’s blazing hot outside. Clever this, using the sun to cool things down in the car’s interior. No more sunburn at the parking lot outside the mall on Saturday.

Something Webasto calls “The roof of the future” will also make its appearance at Geneva. Touted as a fantasy concept, designers were given the brief to go wild and go beyond the classic convertible roof we are used to.

Land Rover LRX Concept European Debut at Geneva

2008-03-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

First unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the Land Rover LRX Concept is a vehicle designed to gauge demand for a new Land Rover entry into the rapidly-expanding crossover sector. And it is at Geneva that the concept will make its European debut. Land Rover managing director Phil Popham explains that following the car's good North American reception, Geneva will be used to assess European demand for production. "[After Detroit, I'm] even more certain this would be a hugely exciting direction for us to take," he says.

Breadth of capability is a value at the new concept car's core. Not compromising on the capabilities of Land Rover design, the LRX packages more compact dimensions with fuel-efficient diesel hybrid technology and tough four-wheel-drive ability. Designed to use a 2.0-litre turbodiesel hybrid, the new powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% over similar-sized 4x4s, while the car's electric rear axle enables low speed electric running and the retention of full (if not improved) all-wheel-drive performance both on and off road.

The LRX will make its European premiere alongside Land Rover's 60th anniversary special edition Defender SVX. A seemingly likely production version of the concept vehicle will not hit showrooms before 2009.

Ford Kuga to Show at Geneva

2008-03-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ford will be showing its Kuga crossover vehicle at the Geneva International Motor Show. Ford, clearly impressed with the name Kuga – remember the Ford Cougar? – are adamant this vehicle signals a new direction for them, especially in Europe.

Two versions of drive come into play, with the Haldex intelligent AWD system at the top, while FWD will be the cheaper option for those who are quite satisfied with climbing city pavements rather than taking bush expeditions.

Both derivatives will be fitted with the working Duratorq TDCi from Ford which makes 100kW and 320Nm at 2000rpm, with an overboost function that’s good for temporary power need like while overtaking. Fuel economy of 6.3 and 6.4 litres per 100km for the FWD and AWD is claimed. This is obviously a Euro-targeted vehicle, telling not only by its diesel engine, but also the fact that the only transmission available at launch will be a Getrag Ford Durashift 6-speed manual.

Based on the iosis X Concept of Paris 2006, drama was the buzzword for Ford at that period as other distinctive models such as the F250 Super Chief and 4-Trac Concept were shown. The Kuga will be manufactured in Ford’s German plant at Saarlouis.

Rinspeed sQuba

2008-03-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Frank M. Rinderknecht, the founder of Rinspeed, considers himself a dreamer, as anyone can say by visiting his companys official website. And not only because he quotes two very famous sentences about dreams (one from John Lennon, in Imagine, and the other from Walt Disney), both placed right below his picture, but also due to the cars he has managed to create. Anyway, one of his most extreme dreams, and the one that could have turned into a real nightmare, was announced in December, 2007. Rinspeed would build the first submersible car of the world. Topping this, it would be an electric vehicle. And a roadster. Well, it seems the dream came true. And it is called sQuba.

This amazing machine is 3.79 m long, 1.94 m wide and 1.12 m tall, with a wheelbase of 2,30 m. Although it really resembles the Lotus Elise, it is not even close to the British car in what relates to performance. Its electric engine, which delivers 54 kW (73 bhp) at 4,500 rpm and a torque of 160 Nm at 1,500 rpm, pushes it to 80km/h in 7.1 s and to a maximum speed of 120 km/h, the legal limit in many countries. There is no word on the cars autonomy, but it uses lithium-ion batteries. Their charge usually lasts more than regular batteries, and the sQubas weight, only about 920 kg, will help them keep going a little further.

Performance may indeed not be the expected by the looks, but the dynamics the car will attract attention for are presented in the water. The sQuba can flow and navigate through two back propellers (also electric) or submerge and also be driven, under a maximum depth of 10 m, with the help of two Seabob jet drives, responsible for keeping the car stable under water. The speed over the water is 6 km/h. Under it, it falls to half the speed, 3 km/h.

The choice for a roadster, which made Rinspeed adopt oxygen cylinders in the car for his driver and passenger to breathe, has a simple and logical explanation: if the car was a hardtop, all the cabin would have to be really strong to cope with the water pressure. This would add lots of extra weight to the car and it would move very slowly out of the water as well. By the way, the sQuba is a rear-wheel drive vehicle. And will not be for sale, what makes it a one-of-a-kind first electric submersible car. Some dreams cannot be shared at all.

Press Release

Rinspeeds Zero-Emission World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show - a Green Fish with Q-Factor

Thirty years after the movie thriller The Spy Who Loved Me hit the silver screen sQuba is the first car that can actually fly under water.

Dive it again, James! If the situation gets too hot for the secret agent hell go underground - or under water. So demonstrated impressively by Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 when he dove below the waves in a sleek vehicle that moments before seemed to be an ordinary car. The only problem: The scene never really took place; it was an animation.

With the sQuba, the worlds first real submersible car, the movie fake now becomes reality for visitors of the Geneva Motor Show (March 6th - 16th, 2008). Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht (52) is known for his extraordinary automotive creations. The acknowledged James Bond enthusiast and Swiss automobile visionary kept revisiting this scene in his mind over and over: For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly under water. Now we have made this dream come true.

And it is this submerged stabile flight at a depth of 10 meters that sets the sQuba apart from military vehicles. While the latter can go under water, they are limited to driving slowly over the submerged ground. Rinderknecht: It is undoubtedly not an easy task to make a car watertight and pressure resistant enough to be maneuverable under water. The real challenge however was to create a submersible car that moves like a fish in water.

It also had to be a sports car that was converted into a diving dream in the facilities of Swiss engineering specialist Esoro. In a first step the combustion engine was removed and replaced by several electric motors. Three motors are located in the rear. One provides propulsion on land, the other two drive the screws for underwater motoring. They are supported by two powerful Seabob jet drives in the front, which breathe through special rotating louvers from HS Genion (for opening and closing the water intake). The rotating outlet jets were designed to be extremely light yet twist resistant by using high-tech nano materials, so-called Carbon Nano Tubes.

It is a sure bet that the sQuba will steal the show from any Baywatch beauty on the beach. And easily, too: You drive the car into the water and the car floats. That is, until you crack the door to let the water in. Immediately the sQuba starts on his way to the underwater world. The occupants breathing air comes from an integrated tank of compressed air that divers know from scuba diving. Rinderknecht: For safety reasons we have built the vehicle as an open car so that the occupants can get out quickly in an emergency. With an enclosed cabin opening the door might be impossible. But safety wasnt the only reason for choosing an open-top design: With an enclosed volume of just two cubic meters of air the vehicle weight would have to increase by two tons (!) to counteract the unwanted buoyancy, giving the sQuba the land mobility of a turtle. Without occupants the sQuba surfaces automatically. It is even capable of autonomous driving on land thanks to a sophisticated laser sensor system from the Hamburg company Ibeo - without any help from the driver or passenger.

Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. Rinderknecht: The sQuba is a zero-emission car as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions. The Swiss are among the worlds pioneers in the area of hydropower. The sQubas filling station is the water reservoir. It is no surprise that the vehicle features powerful yet energy-saving LED lighting technology.

3-D foil elements with embossed fish and sharkskin patterns from Wetzel Processing Group and Hornschuch add visual pizzazz and streamline the exterior. Together with styling elements from Foliatec they create a harmonious velvety matt-white appearance.

For shore leave the sQuba relies on a stainless coil-over suspension from KW automotive and large Pirelli tires mounted on custom-made forged light-weight wheels from AEZ with 17- and 18-inch diameters. But the sQuba is really at home in the water. To make the occupants feel at home there as well the innovative salt-water resistant interior from Strähle + Hess features genuine mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond, normally used in high-tech abrasives. After all, diamonds are a girls best friends. The high-tech VDO instrument cluster and controls create a futuristic ambiance and allow controlling all vehicle functions even while submerged.

Frank M. Rinderknecht and his partners - amongst them also the fleet specialist LeasePlan - have created a truly unusual vehicle and in the process have thought of everything. Even the Motorex lubricants used in the sQuba are biodegradable. For the Rinspeed boss that is a meticulousness stemming from conviction: The sQuba lets me be one with the elements and lets me immerse myself in a new and fascinating world - with Q factor. It is our duty to protect this world in which we are guests to the best of our ability. Isnt it, Miss Moneypenny? - James couldnt have said it better himself glancing at the sporty Swiss precision chronograph from C.F. Bucherer. Eau la la - shaken, not stirred.

Morgan LIFECar - official Unveiling at Geneva 2008

2008-03-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, Morgan announced it would unveil a vehicle called LIFECar in this year’s edition of the Geneva Motor Show. At that time, only a few images of the car had been released, but, as the car gets closer to its official presentation, more images of the vehicle have emerged. And, if this is what Morgan thinks the future will be, we all should be glad about it.

The British automaker’s intention of building a fuel cell vehicle seems to fit just nicely. Morgan’s skill in creating lightweight cars combines pretty well with fuel efficient automobiles. And there is nothing more fuel efficient than fuel cells, although they are still too expensive for mass production.

Anyway, LIFECar is not solely a Morgan product, but the effort of many other entities, such as BOC, responsible for developing the hydrogen refueling plant, Cranfield University, the systems simulation, onboard computing and control networks “manager”, so to speak, Oxford University, in charge of the regenerative electric motors, OSCar, which takes care of the design and architecture of the car and last, but not least (on the contrary), QinetiQ, the creator of LIFECar’s fuel cells. The creation of the concept has consumed two and a half years and almost £1.9 million.

Considering the praised dynamic behavior of all Morgan vehicles, it would be no surprise if, although quiet and clean, the LIFECar was as good to drive as the best combustion-engined vehicles. Going a little further, it would also be no surprise if the car made into production, since Morgan, although very successful, is a small automaker. If customers decide to buy it, Morgan would surely not refuse to sell it.

Press Release

The green car that will deliver on performance and looks as well as emission reduction

Now less than 12 months from reality, the British consortium involved in the project, which includes the legendary sports car manufacturer Morgan, QinetiQ, Cranfield and Oxford universities, BOC and OSCar, is on target to unveil the completed and running prototype at the 2008 Geneva show.

The new vehicle, known as LIFECar will be ultra quiet, and its exhaust system will produce only water vapour thanks to its fuel cell converting hydrogen into electricity.

“The real challenge is to design and build a car that is fun to drive – a proper sports car” quoted Charles Morgan, the strategy director for the Morgan Motor Company. “The use of ultra capacitors to store the surplus energy and then use this for acceleration and braking does promise a dynamic ride, especially when combined with our ultra light chassis. The pairing of weight to a minimum is our strength, and allows a much smaller fuel cell than conventionally thought necessary. This gives energy and yet more weight savings”

Part funded by the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), LIFECar has been a 2 ½ year project. The consortium hopes that the LIFECar will produce a combination of performance, range and fuel economy that should alter our view of motoring for the future.

The key to delivering this step change in energy efficiency lies in a combination of factors, including weight reduction and a different design approach. Costing a total of £1.9m, with a mix of industry and DTI funding, the two and a half year project has been broken down into the following areas of responsibility.

BOC Developing the hydrogen refuelling plant
Cranfield University Systems simulation , on-board computing and control networks
Oxford University Design and control of re-generative electric motors
QinetiQ Developing the proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Morgan Motor Company Building the finalised design using light weight technology
OSCar Overall system design and architecture

Technical background

The car's fuel cell system operates by electrochemically combining on-board hydrogen with oxygen taken from the air outside.

Although in most respects fuel cells are more like engines than batteries, to the extent that they generate energy from fuel in a tank rather than store energy, like batteries, they use electrodes (solid electrical conductors) with an electrolyte (an electrically conductive medium). When the hydrogen molecules come into contact with the negative electrodes, the molecules split into protons and electrons.

The protons are then carried across the proton exchange membrane to the positive electrode of the fuel cell whilst the electrons travel around the external circuit as electricity. The molecules of the hydrogen and oxygen are combined chemically, with water as the only waste product.

The only emission from the QinetiQ fuel cell will be water vapour. The electric power generated by the fuel cells powers the electric motors and turns the wheels of the vehicle.

Toyota iQ & Urban Cruiser World Debut at Geneva

2008-03-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

The small car segment is big business and Toyota will unveil their new small urban car, the Toyota iQ, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The Toyota iQ concept is still in our short term memory, it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, now early March will mark the debut of the production iQ and it will go into production in the end of the year. Now that is pushing a car into production!

The Toyota iQ may be shorter than 3 meters (for comparison, a smart comes in at around 2,5 meters), it can still comfortably seat three adults plus a child or luggage. Six space saving and interlinked engineering highlights provide the spaciousness, while Toyota have gone all out on a radical new design moving away from the notion that small cars are basic and less safe.

Other Toyota vehicles on show are the Urban Cruiser, making its European debut, a plug-in hybrid prototype, the 1/X plug-in hybrid and the i-Real personal mobility concept.

Press Release

Toyota to present two new additions to its small car line-up at Geneva Motor Show

World premiere of Toyota’s revolutionary new iQ urban car
European premiere of Toyota’s new small SUV, the Urban Cruiser

At the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota will unveil the production design of its all-new small car – Toyota iQ. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, iQ will go into production during late 2008.

iQ represents a break-through in compact urban transportation. For a first, up to three passengers can be comfortably seated in a compact urban vehicle at sub three metres in length, and additionally have enough area to accommodate a child or luggage.

The spaciousness of iQ is a result of its ingenious packaging, which was created by six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a revolution in Toyota’s automotive vehicle development.

Infused with Japanese design elements, iQ is a radical change in vehicle design as well as environmentally friendly transportation, and away from the belief that small cars are basic and less safe.

Toyota also uses the Geneva Motor Show to present a new extension of its sports utility vehicle line-up into the small car segment: Toyota Urban Cruiser.

This new Toyota is an environmentally responsible small SUV aimed at the urban all-roader market. It provides an answer to consumer desires for SUVs but with low fuel consumption and low emissions.

In addition, Toyota will also show its latest advances in urban environmental transport solutions, a Plug-in Hybrid prototype as well as two concept cars: the Toyota 1/X Plug-in Hybrid concept in combination with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, and the i-Real personal mobility concept.

Lamborghini LP550 for Geneva

2008-03-06T10:38:00.001-08:00

The Lamborghini Gallardo has been around in its current guise without any major facelifts since its launch in 2003. The car still looks dramatic and modern and has aged well, but parent company Audi has been feverishly working away at the Gallardo’s V10 and in various forms has been implanting it into its A8 and A6 models with resounding success. Could a revised V10 find its way into the heart of Gallardo for Geneva?

The Superleggera edition brought with it lower weight and a tweaked 5.0 L V10 that produced around 522bhp but this was more of a special edition rather than a thoroughly re-worked model. We understand that Lamborghini may be preparing a LP550 version of the Gallardo which would use a 5.2 L FSI version of the V10 to produce somewhere in the region of, you guessed it, 550bhp, up on the standard car’s 520bhp. It would back this up with an improved torque figure of 530Nm verses the standard car’s 510Nm

Rumours abound in the run up to major motor shows and Geneva is no different. This rumour however seems to make a lot of sense when you think it through. Motor manufacturers are always trying to cut costs via streamlining and parts sharing and it would seem odd for Lamborghini to continue to use the 5.0 L version when Audi are using the 5.2 L. Roll on Geneva.

Infiniti FX In Geneva

2008-03-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

We all knew the Infinity FX was in the pipeline for 2008, but now we can confirm that the next generation of the crossover will debut during the Geneva Motor Show. But in somewhat surprising news, the actual debut will take place in a private ceremony outside the Show. Occurring during the evening of Tuesday March 4th, Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn is expected to pull the curtain off the FX. Infiniti is a subsidiary of Nissan.

Coming up on the brand's 20th anniversary, this will be the first premiere for the brand outside of the States. The FX will be joined by several Euro-specific performance cars being unveiled at the Swiss show. These include the V6 G Sedan, the G coupe, and the EX coupe crossover. All three vehicles, and the new FX, will be available across Europe beginning in October 2008.

Previous accounts of the Infiniti crossover call for the availability of a V6 or V8 gasoline engine, with a Renault V6 diesel option coming out in 2010. The new FX is also believed to have an optional hybrid power train available, which will have a revolutionary electric motor system to assist gasoline engines at low and high speeds. If true, this could potentially revolutionize a market segment consistently plagued with negative PR related to fuel efficiency. Nissan's new system would mean cleaner running vehicles in almost any driving situation.

Although a hybrid FX is not expected until 2011, news about it is expected to be released at the unveiling of the 2009 Infiniti FX.

Press Release

A NEW LUXURY BRAND AND AN ALL NEW PERFORMANCE CROSSOVER TO LAUNCH AT THE 78TH INTERNATIONAL GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Infiniti and its range of performance sedans, coupes and crossovers has been in existence for almost 20 years. 2008 and the 78th International Geneva Motor Show marks the brand’s introduction into Western Europe, the toughest luxury market in the world.

To celebrate this important milestone, Infiniti will use the show timing to stage the global premiere of the second generation of the iconic FX performance crossover. Never before has a new Infiniti been revealed outside of the US.

Infiniti will also unveil the rest of its line-up of performance cars, tailored for the European market: the V6 powered G Sedan, G coupe and EX coupe crossover. This portfolio of products will be launched across Europe, together with the second generation FX, from October 2008.

The V8 powered Infiniti FX will be revealed away from the motor show on the night of Tuesday 4th March 2008 at a private ceremony attended by Mr Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

Hyundai HED-5 Concept to Debut in Geneva

2008-03-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hyundai has released their plans for the upcoming Geneva Auto Show, including the introduction of a new low emissions concept car and a facelifted Matrix.

The HED-5 concept is a six seat MPV that features advanced materials and versatility. To create the concept, Hyundai partnered with Recaro, LG and Bayer in an attempt to make one of the company’s most environmentally responsible vehicles so far. Achieving a 29 percent reduction in CO2 emissions, the concept demonstrates how existing technology can be used to make significant advances in eco-friendliness without high prices.

Matrix mini models will receive a facelift and a new range of exterior colors, while the interior gets a freshening to improve material quality and appearance.

Press Release

HYUNDAI AT THE 2008 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

HED-5 concept: six-seater with advanced materials and versatility
World premiere of a range of Eco-Dynamic vehicles
World premiere of the new Matrix

A stunning new concept car, low-emission versions of Hyundai production models and a facelifted version of the Matrix will make the Hyundai stand a ‘must-see’ at the Geneva motor show next month.

Star attraction will be the HED-5, a six seat MPV that promises a new level of versatility combined with exceptional fuel economy. The revolutionary materials and construction techniques have been developed in co-operation with innovation partners such as Recaro, Bayer and LG.

As a company that has always prided itself on environmental friendliness and innovation, the challenge of reducing emissions from its range was irresistible to Hyundai.

A new package of innovations to be revealed at the show demonstrates how existing technology can make a significant (up to 29 percent) reduction in CO2 emissions, without punitive penalties in price, performance or driving enjoyment. This “near production” package represents a realistic and achievable advance in reduced emissions and fuel consumption.

Another model making its debut will be the 2008 Matrix mini MPV. The exterior styling is given a contemporary new look and is complemented by a refreshed range of colours. The interior is also adapted to bring it into line with other current Hyundai models.

2009 Honda Accord for Europe Unveiled

2008-03-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

The new car apparently is wider and lower than the current one, which allows for more interior space and a cockpit-like dashboard with floating backlit instruments and LCD multifunction menu display. The new Accord also uses a more rigid platform and new front and rear multi-link suspension.

Honda’s promise this time around is for better and more powerful yet efficient engines. For that, the new Accord comes with options between two petrol engines and a new ultra-clean diesel. This is officially the first model to get their second-generation diesel i-DTEC engine, which produces 148bhp and 350Nm; not forgetting the multi-stage fuel injection technology, better exhaust gas recirculation system, and the special particulate filter used for much lower emissions. Petrol options would be between a 2.0-litre producing 154bhp and a 2.4-litre i-VTEC producing 197bhp. At the moment, all the engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission, although 5-speed automatic is optional.

Prices are not in yet, but the new sedan is expected to arrive somewhere in mid-2008 followed by the estate version a few months later. The car will be officially unveiled to public at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Press Release

The All-New Honda Accord Euro

Honda announced the all-new Accord for Europe. Aimed squarely at challenging established premium contenders in the D-segment, Honda’s all-new Accord saloon and Tourer offer sporty styling, greater refinement and a unique package of safety systems, together with excellent dynamic capabilities. Strong environmental credentials in the form of an all Euro 5 emissions compliant engine line-up further emphasize Honda’s intent with the the all-new Accord.

Significantly wider and slightly lower, the styling adopts a more emotional, sporty motif. The ‘sharp-edged’ design, with pronounced muscular wheelarches that emphasize the car’s wider track, gives the Accord a distinctive, strong stance with a solid, planted feel. The distinctive nose and more flowing lines deliver a tauter and more athletic shape.

The evolution from the previous generation Accord is even more pronounced in the case of the Tourer, where a greater emphasis on load carrying practicality has evolved into a more dynamic expression of its advanced technology, while still retaining a strong degree of versatility and practicality.

Three advanced new engines with some of the lowest emissions in their segment

The new range is one of the first to offer a complete engine line-up that will comply with the forthcoming Euro 5 emissions regulations which aren’t due to be introduced until September 2009. The exceptional environmental credentials haven’t been achieved at the cost of driving enjoyment, however, and greater frugality is matched by greater performance and flexibility.

Making its debut is Honda’s second-generation diesel engine which builds on the outstanding qualities of the award-winning i-CTDi unit to raise the bar in the diesel stakes once again. Its advanced technology and overall capabilities place it firmly at the forefront of diesel development and underpins the Accord’s claim to offer one of the strongest combinations of dynamic performance and environmental responsibility in the marketplace.

Like its predecessor, the new i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, refined and quiet in operation. It employs the latest piezoelectric multi-stage fuel injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for significantly reduced emissions. At the same time both power and torque levels have been increased for a sportier driving experience. Output is 10 PS greater at 150 PS/110 kW at the same 4,000 rpm, while peak torque is now 350 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

The 2.0-liter i-VTEC offers similar levels of performance to its predecessor – 156 PS at 6,300 rpm – but builds on its class leading fuel economy. Key technological changes include increased diameter intake valves, further optimized valve lift and timing and increased inlet and exhaust air flow volumes.

The 2.4-liter engine is more powerful, delivering 200 PS at 7000 rpm and peak torque of 233 Nm at 4500 rpm – up from 190 PS and 223 Nm. Behind the figures are a compression ratio increased from 10.5 to 11.0:1, larger diameter valves, revised valve timing, and reduced exhaust system pressures.

6-speed manual/5-speed automatic

All three engines are matched to a 6-speed manual transmission, while both petrol engines have the option of a 5-speed automatic.

Manual models feature a ‘Shift Indicator Light’ or SIL which appears in the center of the rev counter. ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ are displayed to advise the driver of the optimum point (in terms of best fuel economy) at which to change gear; Honda tests have demonstrated fuel savings of as much as 5 per cent simply by following these commands.

The 5-speed automatic transmission now has a straight ‘P R N D S’ gate: using the steering wheel paddles in S mode provides a sequential shift mode, allowing manual shifting and gear hold.

Agile, secure handling

Enthusiastic drivers will also appreciate the new Accord’s greater agility. A lowered center of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input. Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll is much reduced.

Speed sensitive electric power steering is standard on all models and the new axial system features a high output, low inertia brushless motor which provides excellent steering feel at higher speeds for a sense of stability and confidence. A quicker steering ratio has also been adopted in keeping with the Accord’s more agile chassis characteristics.

A comprehensive safety package

Complementing an armory of passive safety features is an outstanding array of dynamic systems delivering even greater security. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required.

Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)

The new Accord also features an innovative system in which the capabilities of both VSA and the car’s Electric Power Steering are brought to bear. Called Motion Adaptive EPS, it detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction.

The input is barely noticeable and control of the steering remains with the driver at all times. But this supporting steering torque is enough to prompt the driver to act intuitively and the driver’s reaction as a result is enough to regain stability or to shorten braking distances, allowing control to be maintained.

Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) optional across the range

Optionally available on Executive grade on 2.2 i-DTEC and 2.4 i-VTEC is Honda’s Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS), a suite of three ground-breaking technologies that raise safety to a new level. The first of these is the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) which uses a camera to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane and provides steering torque when necessary, thereby reducing the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a millimetre-wave radar to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, for more relaxed, less tiring driving.

The third ADAS system is the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) which monitors the following distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver when a collision is likely and helping reduce impact when a collision becomes unavoidable.

These systems complement the Accord’s passive safety features which include front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, dual stage front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, full length curtain airbags and ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points for secure childseat fixture on all models. There are also front seat active headrests which are triggered when the occupant is pushed into the seat in the event of a rear impact, so causing a rigid plate to activate a link to the headrest which pushes it forward to support the head.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure

Progressively introduced throughout the Honda range, the Accord’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure provides significantly enhanced occupant protection in a variety of real-world crash conditions.

A front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to prevent cabin deformation by distributing forces through multiple major load bearing pathways – and away from the passenger compartment. This is particularly important where a frontal collision occurs between vehicles of differing heights, weights or frame construction.

To achieve top level, side impact safety, Honda’s engineers have increased the side section of the frame and chosen different material specifications to provide the desired level of stiffness and strength for critical areas, without adding unnecessary weight.

The new Accord also incorporates many of the pedestrian-protection design features already familiar from recent Honda models, including windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact, energy absorbing front wing mounts and bonnet hinges alongside an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation.

Premium interior with carefully selected materials and outstanding fit and finish

The sporty feel of the cockpit is reflected in a fascia design characterised by a strong feeling of personal space for both the driver and front passenger. Distinctive silver trim sweeps inwards across the fascia from either side before continuing down into the center console. Stylish and highly supportive front seats have larger bolsters while a new internal structure is designed to reduce any transmission of vibration.

Black with silver trim, the sporty three spoke steering wheel holds a complete suite of controls – including audio, cruise control and mobile telephone control. It is fully adjustable for reach and rake, with an extra 10 degrees of tilt adjustment compared to the previous Accord.

The new Accord features ‘floating’ backlit instruments and contained within the center of the speedometer face is an LCD multi-information display showing a variety of information – controls positioned on the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the display through multiple screens of information.

A new feature is a service reminder that presents the driver with either the distance or days remaining to a required service, with an enlarged warning symbol appearing when the due date is imminent.

Storage space includes two center console side pockets; a lidded storage area to side of the steering wheel; large front door pockets able to hold bottles and maps; bottle holders in the rear door panels, and a large center console box. Rather than a fold-down pocket design, the large glovebox now has an independent lid and is subdivided with a tissue box compartment as well as space secured for a manual. The lid of the center console box doubles up as an armrest and is slide-adjustable by 89 mm. Two cupholders are provided in the center console, while rear seat passengers have access to a further two contained in the center armrest, revealed when it is folded down.

Subaru Diesel for Legacy and Outback

2008-03-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

Subaru will be using the Geneva Auto Show to introduce their new boxer diesel engine to Legacy and Outback models. The long awaited engine is a 2.0L that produces 110kW (150 PS)/3600 rpm and has a maximum torque output of 350Nm/1800 rpm. Both models will come with electronic steering in order to maximize fuel efficiency.

Several other models will be making their European debut at the show, including the new Subaru Forester crossover which will also be available with the 2.0L diesel. Two electric vehicles will be on display, the G4e concept seats five and is expected to be able to travel up to 200 kilometers per charge. Currently undergoing testing in Japan, the R1e can fully charge in 8 hours using standard household current and is able to obtain an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes using a quick charger.

Press Release

The World’s First SUBARU BOXER DIESEL debuts with the Legacy/Outback

Tokyo, February 8, 2008 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major features of its Subaru exhibit at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press days: March 4 and 5; Open to the public from March 6 through 16).

FHI will present the Subaru Legacy and the Outback, which are outfitted with the company’s unique Subaru Boxer Diesel and due to be released into the European market ahead of other parts of the world. In addition, models to be exhibited include the new Subaru Forester, which will make a debut in Europe, and the Subaru G4e Concept and the Subaru R1e electric vehicles as environmental-friendly solutions. FHI will hold a press conference at the Subaru booth at 14:30 March 4, 2008. Ikuo Mori, FHI’s President and CEO, will be present to speak with the media

1. Subaru Legacy/Outback 2.0D

FHI applied the world’s first Horizontally-Opposed Diesel Engine “Subaru Boxer Diesel” for passenger vehicles to the Subaru Legacy and the Outback. For the two models, the Subaru Boxer Diesel is mated with Subaru’s unique symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) to achieve driving performance standards only Subaru is capable of. These standards include high-level stability and outstanding acceleration thanks to powerful low- and medium-speed torque.

On top of this, the two models adopt new electric power steering to achieve both improved fuel efficiency and fun to drive. They not only comply with the Euro 4 emission regulations, but realize top-level fuel economy for AWD passenger vehicles, thereby integrating driving performance into the environment.

Subaru Boxer Diesel: Features

The Subaru Boxer Diesel takes advantage of high rigidity of the horizontally opposed engine. It uses an aluminum-alloy cylinder block. With its engine width equivalent to that of a horizontally opposed petrol engine of the same displacement volume, it is 61.3-mm shorter in length, achieving top-level lightweight and compact design of the class.

Its unique layout allows the right and left pistons to negate each other’s inertia. This translates into smooth rotational balance, low vibration and superior quietness. Furthermore, thanks to excellent accelerator response, and with reduced friction and inertia resulting in smooth acceleration, the Subaru Boxer Diesel features engine characteristics worth the name of a sport diesel.

Subaru Boxer Diesel: Main specifications

Engine type: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel
Displacement: 1998 cc
Maximum output: 110 kW (150 PS)/3600 rpm
Maximum torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgf·m)/1800 rpm
CO2 emissions: 148 g/km (Legacy sedan)
Fuel injection system: Common rail type
Turbo type: Variable nozzle turbocharger

2. Subaru Forester

The new third-generation Subaru Forester, developed under the concept of “Best Package for Active Life,” will make its debut in Europe. This is a crossover SUV, a pure Subaru product, which provides all its passengers with ease of use, comfort and safe and pleasant driving. The 2.0-litre model will be available on the European market*. *Distribution of the 2.5-litre turbo model is limited to some distributors.

3. Subaru G4e Concept (Concept car)

The Subaru G4e Concept is a concept car that envisions a future form of an environment-friendly electric vehicle. Contrary to the traditional perception of the electric vehicle being heavy and cramped, the Subaru G4e Concept adopts a packaging that can accommodate five passengers. This is achieved by storing batteries underneath the floor, expressing an image of heading toward the future through its triangle-shaped exterior design. Thanks to its next-generation lithium-ion high-performance batteries and reduced weight, the Subaru G4e Concept is expected to travel 200 kilometers per charge.

4. Subaru R1e (Display model)

FHI aims to commercialize the Subaru R1-based Subaru R1e electric vehicle as a city commuter. A total of 40 units have been used for business activities by its joint development partner Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to date. FHI plans to test-market around 100 units of EV during 2009 in Japan. This electric vehicle can be fully charged in eight hours on a standard household current and an 80 percent charge is possible in 15 minutes using a quick charger.

Opel Meriva Concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2008

2008-03-05T00:48:00.000-08:00

When Harley Earl created the first concept car, the Buick Y-Job, the idea was to showcase the ability of a company to develop new technologies, which would be applied to future vehicles in 10 to 20 years from that point on. Nowadays, especially after Chrysler started mass-producing its concept cars almost like they were first shown, these vehicles have changed their role. Now they are an anticipation of a series production vehicle that will reach the market within months. It has been like this, for example, with the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK , which happened to be the future GLK, and will be the same with the Opel Meriva Concept, to be presented in March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Opel states that the new minivan will offer “an innovative approach for even greater flexibility” in its monocabs, but it would be much easier if the company only informed that the future generation of the Meriva will feature suicide rear doors, or else, they will open for the opposite side, what is said to ease access. Unlike the previous model, which was styled and developed in Brazil, this one seems to have been entirely developed by Opel. The explanation for this is that the current European Corsa, which will share its platform with the new Meriva, is not built in that country.

Besides the suicide doors, the new monocab will get styling cues from the Flextreme and GTC Coupe concepts, as well as the taillights that will be similar to the ones already revealed for the Insignia, a sedan that will replace Vectra when it is presented, in the British Motor Show, in July. Unless the final version of the next generation Meriva is also presented in the UK, we would expect its sales to start by September, after its official presentation at the Paris Motor Show.

Press Release

Geneva: Opel Meriva Concept World Premiere

Vision Of Future Small Opel Monocab

With the Meriva Concept, Opel presents the next level of monocab flexibility at the International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008). The vision of a future small monocab – a segment that the current Meriva has led since its launch in 2003 –boasts more than just new design cues: “We’re unveiling an innovative approach for even greater flexibility in Opel monocabs,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe, before the concept’s debut in Geneva. “With the Zafira’s Flex7 seating system and the Meriva’s FlexSpace concept, we began a new era in interior variability and permanently changed the world of the automobile.”

With Zafira, Meriva and soon Agila, Opel is enjoying great success with its monocab design – body models where the hood and trunk are not visibly separate from the cabin. Almost 335,000 segment-leading Zafira and Meriva models were sold in 2007. Every fifth Opel model sold today is a monocab, while in the whole market the quota is just every eighth car.

The Meriva Concept transfers the brand’s new design language to a small monocab and enhances it further. The side profile boasts the distinctive tick-shaped swage line, which was a typical design cue which appeared on the GTC Coupé and Flextreme concepts. Especially eye-catching is the sweep in the window line level at the B-pillar, enabling an especially good view for rear passengers. Rear section elements – in particular the rear lights – echo the Insignia, Opel’s new mid-size class car due to be launched in the fall. The monocab’s roof sloping gently downward toward the rear underlines the car’s dynamic character.

Pininfarina Sintesi Concept Details

2008-03-05T00:46:00.000-08:00

Every week until its debut, more information will be released about the Pininfarina Sintesi concept car. Coming out in the form of the virtual Sintesi Magazine, the car's website has already featured two issues packed with designs, diagrams, drawings, and close ups of what might be the most intriguing concept to hit the auto show circuit this year.

Sintesi, Italian for "synthesis," has its name because of the "synthesis of beauty, sportiness and functionality," according to the first edition of the magazine. Pininfarina engineers came to this decision by deciding that a composite of the supercar inspired Birdcage 75th and the city/functional Nido concepts could produce a revolution in the auto industry. What makes this electric/hydrogen hybrid so unique is the decision to not only utilize the futuristic style, carbonfibre body, and 700 horsepower engineeing with the build-the-car-around-the-driver functionality of the demure Nido.

For Pininfarina's first concept in three years, engineers designed the Sintesi with the notion of "liquid packaging" in their minds. The term is meant to represent the fluidity available when assembling a unibody by breaking down large parts and putting them back together in a creative way.

The most innovative idea we know of at this point is that the Sintesi will be powered by fuel cells and batteries placed all around the vehicle, instead of stacked together in the boot. Pininfarina claims this has not only allowed them to create a more user-friendly cabin, but it appears the weight will be more evenly balanced than most other alternative fuel vehicles.

New Twingo Renaultsport Unveiled

2008-03-05T00:25:00.001-08:00

Just a day after Renault announce they are to bring the Twingo further to the masses with the launch of their entry-level 'Extreme' model, things have just gotten a whole lot more extrême. It's not the first time that the hot hatch concept has come to the city car, but it's certainly the first time in Renaultsport form. Based largely on the Twingo concept car of 2006, the new Twingo Renaultsport is the third variant to gain the exclusive moniker, joining Clio and Megane hot hatch models.

Designed by Renault Sport Technologies' experts to achieve an affordable city car able both to deliver sports car performance and good day-to-day usability, the Twingo Renaultsport is a car born of a challenge. A 'fiery new' 1.6-litre petrol unit producing 133 hp satisifies the pursuit of an engine suitable in everyday driving and sporting punchiness, while for a refined drive with precise sports handling and responsiveness, the unit is mated to an efficient, balanced chassis.

Twingo Renaultsport is styled to thrill, packaging the compactness of its city car body with more curvaceous, assertive styling. Athletic wider wings, profiled sills and rear spoiler are all suitable additions, while strikingly prominent wheel arches are reminiscent of the previous-generation Clio V6 - a car enthusiasts lapped up with pride. Expect details inside to be similar to those in its siblings', namely optional bucket seats, chromed pedals, and a stylish sports fit and finish.

The new Twingo model was unveiled today near to Paris, France, alongside the international launch of the new R28 Formula 1 car. The F1 car was developed by the same Renaultsport team who developed the Clio, Megane and now new Twingo Renaultsport hatches. The car will make its public debut at March's Geneva Motor Show.

Press Release

TWINGO RENAULT SPORT: EXPERIENCE THE RENAULT SPORT THRILL

Renault Sport Technologies profited from the international launch of the latest R28 Formula 1 single-seater in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, today to take the wraps off Twingo Renault Sport. Renault's new, affordable, high-performance car slots into the Renault Sport range alongside its bigger sister cars, Clio and Mégane Renault Sport.

Twingo Renault Sport is a genuine hot hatch with looks to match and was designed to deliver both enjoyable roadholding and genuine sports performance. Its efficient, balanced chassis has been mated to a fiery but flexible 133hp engine to form a package that is sure to appeal to all those who seek sporting sensations and driving pleasure during everyday motoring.

Unmistakable sporting credentials

Renault has produced an affordable high-performance car which sits alongside Clio and Mégane Renault Sport in the Renault Sport range. Twingo Renault Sport's compact proportions and incisive, assertive styling are redolent of the Twingo Concept show car which was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Show. Twingo's existing lines are underpinned by a more curvaceous, athletic stance and the newcomer's sporty calling is further emphasized by its wider front and rear wings, profiled sills and spoiler.

Driving pleasure and sporting sensations during everyday motoring

Twingo Renault Sport is the response of Renault Sport Technologies' experts to a twopronged challenge, namely to deliver sports performance while at the same time ensuring that the new car is easy to use on a day-to-day basis. Twingo Renault Sport's chassis is both responsive and finely tuned to provide precise, balanced sports handling, while specific work on the pitch of its new 133hp 1,598cc engine reveals its punchy temperament.

The public will have the opportunity to examine Twingo Renault Sport in further detail at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Maserati Chicane Concept at 2008 Geneva

2008-03-05T00:22:00.001-08:00

A few masters-degree design students from the European Institute of Design in Turin have worked their magic for Maserati, who will unveil their hard work at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. The Maserati Chicane Concept is a 2+2 coupe and one size smaller than the Quattroporte and Granturismo, spurring on rumours of a smaller Maserati. The Chicane measures 4,400 mm in length, 1,850 mm width and 1,250 height.

The Maserati Chicane Concept will draw power from a V8 and directs the torque onto the tarmac through the rear wheels. The Chicane is the brainchild of Dmytro Zyubyairov (Ukraine) and Oscar Palladino (Italy).

Alongside the Chicane, another student project will be shown through a dedicated video. The Maserati Challenge was designed by a different group of students and is a 2+1 shooting brake, a 2 door station wagon with enough room in the back for bulky sports equipment.

Mitsubishi Prototype-S in Geneva 2008

2008-03-05T00:19:00.000-08:00

Mitsubishi Lancer will get a hatchback version soon, as we have already informed you previously. It is a pity there are still no photographs of the new vehicle, which, according to the British press release of the Japanese automaker, will debut later this year at the Geneva Motor Show. The hatch features a 5-door body, following the same path the Subaru Impreza has already taken.

According to the same document, the Lancer Sportback will have almost the same technical specs that the Lancer Ralliart presents, apart from the luggage compartment: a four-cylinder 4B11 engine delivering 240 bhp and 343 Nm, the six-speed Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission and the new 4WD system, the Super All Wheel Drive Control (S-AWC), that integrates all electronic systems of the car, such as the Active Center Differential (ACD), the Active Yaw Control (AYC), the Active Stability Control (ASC) and the ABS.

The production of the car is already confirmed, although the company is still presenting a prototype car at the show. Prices could also have already been released, but the company has chosen to keep that for themselves a little longer and only stated that, since five-door hatchbacks are so popular in Europe, almost 70% of all Lancer sales will be with the new body (in the UK, this number will be as high as 80%).

The British press release from Mitsubishi also states that all the company’s new vehicles were born from concepts, since the Lancer was first presented as the Concept-X in 2005, in Tokyo, and the Lancer Evolution X derived from the Prototype-X, presented in 2007 in Detroit. Is this an indication that the Concept-RA will also be mass-produced? If so, we may all expect a new and exciting Eclipse.

Press Release

Mitsubishi Motors to show Prototype-S sports hatchback concept at 2008 Geneva Show

Tokyo, January 28, 2008 -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype-S concept for a sports hatchback its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 6.)

Deriving from MMC's sport sedan family, which includes the Lancer (named the Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) launched in 2007 and the Lancer Ralliart announced at the 2008 Detroit Motors Show and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan) premiered at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Prototype-S takes the form of a hatchback -- a very popular body type in European markets.

Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity and with wide-and-low proportions that leave no doubt as to the concept underlying its design, Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty even by European standards, echoing the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car.

In its mechanical specification Prototype-S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*1 intercooler / turbocharger engine [developing maxima of 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35 kg-m)] mated to Mitsubishi Motors's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission that marries fun-to-drive control with outstanding fuel efficiency. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors' Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front/rear drive torque split to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.

*1 MIVEC : Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System

British press release

THE COLOUR ORANGE

Mitsubishi Motors at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show

What’s in a colour? Well for Mitsubishi at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the colour will be orange, embodying the lively, warm, enthusiastic, creative, energetic, successful, and stimulating character that is Mitsubishi Motors in 2008.

Right-brained (emotional responses) and different (standing out from the crowd), MMC embodies these traits through an all-new range of cars, each of them supported by an iconic figure on a mission:
• Lancer Evolution: … our sporting spirit • “i”: … our green (orange..?) vision • Shogun: … our “go-your-own-way” 4-Wheel Drive expertise
Indeed, at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, each of Mitsubishi’s premieres and key displays will broadcast the same very orange messages:

Lancer Prototype-S:

Just as Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) and then Prototype-X (2007 Detroit) announced the new Lancer and Lancer Evolution X (ten), Prototype-S will follow in the footsteps of the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback show car (2005 Frankfurt) to preview the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.

When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family will be the most important of all in Europe, representing 70% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the overall region and 80% in the UK. Sporting a powerful metallic orange - similar to the one selected for Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago - Prototype-S will add the convenience of a lift-gate and flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range. It will hit the same unconventional buttons as Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156 / 159 Sportwagons (dynamic benchmark) and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé (aspirational benchmark).

Mirroring this aspiration: a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from a long wheelbase and wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end and the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi’s vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks.

Fittingly, Prototype-S will blend elements from Concept-Sportback (the overall concept), Lancer Evolution X (the execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240ps / 343 Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential), as well as proposing a further evolution of Mitsubishi Motors’ Jet Fighter grille.

i- EV

Livelier and more indicative of a healthier future for mankind than the cold tones of green and blue usually connected with environmental communication, orange would suit Mitsubishi’s bright developments in that direction very well indeed…

Spearheading these efforts, the electric-powered “i-EV” city car will also be displayed in Geneva as an indication of Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovative environment-friendly solutions.

Pajero Evolution

Cancellation of the 2008 Dakar notwithstanding, Pajero Evolution will once again play the guest star, bringing warm and exotic memories from Pajero’s 12 victories: a tribute to Pajero’s abilities and to Mitsubishi’s rugged quality and expertise in 4-Wheel Drive technology.

Tokio Motor Show 2007 wallpapers

2008-03-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

Nissan GT-R

Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept

Suzuki concept a star

Toyota hi ct

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

Mazda Taiki Concept 2

Honda CR-Z

BMW 1-Series 135i Coupe

Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro